Ohio Lawn Care Blog

The "Bare" Essentials of Seeding - Spring Lawn Care Tips

Andrew Muntz — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Seeding is the most popular way of establishing turfgrass. Seed is relatively inexpensive compared to sod and fairly easily to do. Grass seed can be found at almost any home improvement store or garden center. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the seeding method.

Timing- Fall is generally recommended as the best time of the year to establish a lawn for a number of reasons. With that being said, you don’t want to have bare spots in your lawn all summer long. Sod can be a good choice or you will need to be ready to handle a little bit of weed presence and be able to keep your new grass happy during the summer months

Don’t mismatch-You want to match the seed to the desired turf that you have already existing in your yard. Identifying turfgrass can be difficult to the untrained eye. Ask your lawn care professional if you are uncertain as to what kind of grass you are growing.

The fresher the better- Grass seed has a shelf life. Any reputable dealer will have a seed label with their product. The label will have a “date tested” printed on it. You want grass seed that was tested within the last year if possible.

Water water water- Grass seedlings are gentle plants. The soil around the seedlings needs to stay moist in order to help your little grass plants develop the root system. Make sure to water lightly 2-3 times a day during the establishment.

Loosen the soil- Providing a good growing environment is important. If possible, loosen the soil before seeding to provide air space for the roots to grow. Use some high quality top soil or compost if possible

Contact- Seeds need to have good seed to soil contact. This improves establishment by keeping the seeds from drying out, protection from birds, and provides a growing environment for the root systems. Lightly tamp or roll these areas to get good contact.

Feed the babies- Your little seedlings will need food too. A soil test might help you to determine the amount and kind of fertilizer to use. Generally starter fertilizers are higher in phosphorus because phosphorus is chemically bound to the soil. The fertilizer provides the phosphorus to the immature root systems.

Caution- If your lawn care program has pre emergent herbicides included they will hinder the grass seed just like they do the crabgrass seedlings. If your lawn has already been or will soon be treated, sodding might be your best choice.

Weed Pro - Professional Lawn Care in Cleveland & Columbus, Ohio

The professionals at Weed Pro can help your lawn look it's best this spring! We staff only licensed and trained technicians that keep your family (and pets) safe with 100% eco-friendly, safer products and adhere to the regulations for safe usage of those products.

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with seeding advice, or pricing to handle it for you!

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Don't Roll That Lawn! - Spring Lawn Care Tips

Shaun Kanary — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 04:16:00 GMT

A common misconception when it comes to spring lawn care is the art of rolling your lawn. Homeowners often decide to roll their lawns to “even out” bumps or ridges in their lawns. Rolling your lawn can actually have devastating effects both on the surface, and below the surface.

I Can’t Breathe! - Compacting Soil

Using a roller on your lawn this spring to smooth things out will actually cause soil compaction. In Ohio, our clay rich soil can kill grass when compacted. Roots are unable to spread and grow, causing turf to become weak and thin. If you want to promote healthy growth, aerating your lawn will open up breathing pockets, and allow important nutrients and water to get to your turf’s feeder roots.

Breaking the Crown – Damaging Grass

Another draw back to rolling your lawn is damaging the plant all together. In the spring, your individual grass plants have delicate “crowns” – or new grass seedlings. Rolling your lawn can damage these crowns and kill your turf.

A River Runs Over It - Drainage Issues

Compacting your soil can also cause major run-off issues. Spring is typically very wet in Ohio, and your soil absorbs a large amount of that water. If your soil is compacted, there is no where for the water to go. Water run-off can increase your storm drainage bills, and also wash away your early spring fertilizer and pre-emergent weed preventer.

Weed Pro - Professional Lawn Care in Cleveland & Columbus, Ohio

The professionals at Weed Pro can help you create a custom lawn care plan for your lawn. We staff only licensed and trained technicians that keep your family (and pets) safe with 100% eco-friendly, safer products and adhere to the regulations for safe usage of those products.

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate.

The Importance of Early Spring Fertilizing - Lawn Care in Columbus

Andrew Muntz — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:08:00 GMT

Just what does your first lawn care application do?

It’s hard to believe that in a few short weeks we will be tuning up the mower, and getting ready to tackle our outdoor chores. It seemed like just the other day we were putting our landscapes to bed for the winter. Now we're already talking about Lawn Care in Columbus Ohio!

Lawn care products are often separated into steps or applications. The idea is that as the year progresses you are giving your grass what it needs to handle certain conditions. In the early spring the most important products that your lawn will need are pre emergent herbicides and fertilizers. These products often come packaged together to create an easier application process.

What is a pre emergent?

Pre emergents are chemical compounds that inhibit the germination of seeds. They are vital to the health of your lawn because they are applied during the spring to keep the crabgrass from taking over you lawn. When applied properly they will create a barrier that keeps crabgrass out of your lawn. I can not emphasize this how important these are going to be this year.

The past 2 years have been ideal for crabgrass. When crabgrass gets established it sets a TON of seeds. The seeds are very small and make their way to the soil in your lawn. Even if you did not have any crabgrass in your yard these seeds have a way of spreading through animals, sneakers, and other dispersal methods. The crabgrass pressure will be very heavy this year thus making your pre emergent applications vital for the success of your lawn.

A long with the pre emergent, your lawn care specialist will apply a fertilizer. This initial fertilizer application is kind of a “wake up call” for your lawn. As the turfgrass begins to awake from the winter, it needs food. Its kind of along the lines of a hibernating bear. A bear needs some energy to get going after the long winter nap!

Weed Pro - Professional Lawn Care in Columbus, Ohio

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate, or click on the link below:

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Managing Stress (Part One) - Healthy Lawn Care, Healthy Lives

Dawn Burt — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:32:00 GMT

Manage Your Stress, Don’t Let It Manage You!

“Stress” has become a very common word in our society. Growing up I rarely heard anyone say “I’m stressed out”. Now I don’t think a day goes by without hearing at least one person complain about the amount of stress they’re under. I know lawn care may not seem stressful, but I’ve heard the word 3 times today – and it’s only 10:15am on Monday morning.

The Silent Killer

Stress can be a silent killer. Being under too much stress can trigger a heart attack or contribute to various other diseases and conditions. Don’t panic! You can do something about it. Can you eliminate all stress from your life? Probably not, but you can learn how to better deal with it. If you find yourself overwhelmed by day-to-day pressures, please discuss it with your doctor. They may be able to help, or at least offer some excellent advice!

In our fast-paced world, it’s very important to know how to unwind. Some prefer a glass of wine, others find exercise relieving, and some (like my husband) like to put in a video game and take out frustration on the enemy troops. For me relaxation means a nice massage, a soak in the hot tub, or meditation. Let me guess, you’re thinking “MEDITATION?? Oh great, she’s going to push her Zen stuff on me”. WAIT!! Don’t leave me yet! I won’t go too “Zen” on you, I promise!!

First, it’s important for everyone to know their limits. Some people can handle more stress than others. That doesn’t make one better or worse, stronger or weaker. No matter what your limit, you can learn healthy ways to combat stress!

Controlling Your Emotions

Next, you must remember that you are ultimately in control of your own emotions. You choose how you react to everything. Granted, you may only have a tenth of a second before your anger explodes, but you do control it! You can CHOOSE to calm yourself down. (No, really, you can.) I’ve been a student of the art of relaxation for several years and I can control it. Do I always? No. Can I? Yes! When I fail, I don’t beat myself up over it. I just try harder the next time. Each time I practice control, I get better at it! You can too!

Tune In To Part 2 for De-Stressing Tips and Ideas!

Are You Ready For Spring? - Lawn Care in Galena, Ohio

Andrew Muntz — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:30:00 GMT

That time for perfecting your landscape maintenance is right around the corner. As Spring comes to Central Ohio, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need ready to go for the spring.

Keys to a Hassle-Free Spring:

Check your mower blades- Sharp blades are vital for the health of your turf.
Check the oil level and change the air filter in your mower.
Make sure that you have string for string trimmers.
Keep your gasoline and your 2-cycle mix (if applicable) separate and labeled.
Sharpen your pruners, saws, and other cutting tools.
Contact your lawn care company to make sure you are set up for applications.
Check into pre emergent products for your ornamental beds.
Prune trees when they don’t have leaves to remove damaged branches, branches that cross, or other problematic branches.
Apply dormant oil to deciduous trees and shrubs.
Plan for upcoming plant installations. Look for areas that might need a new tree, shrub, or perennial. Spring is a great time for planting.
Clean out leafs and other debris from landscape beds that have accumulated over the winter.

Weed Pro – Professional Lawn Care in Galena, Ohio

The professionals at Weed Pro can develop a lawn care plan for you based on your lawns needs. Weed Pro staffs only licensed and trained technicians that keep your family (and pets) safe with 100% eco-friendly, safer products and adhere to the regulations for safe usage of those products.

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate, or click on the link below:

Secrets to Great Lawn Care in Medina, Ohio

Shaun Kanary — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Creating a beautiful lawn isn't as easy as most people think. The extreme weather changes Medina experiences can take it's toll on your turf. The professionals at Weed Pro can provide you with a complete, affordable solution for maintaining a beautiful, weed free lawn year round.

Early Spring Lawn Care Tips

The Best Offense is a Good Defense - Preemergence herbicides are the best way to control both crabgrass and other weeds. Crabgrass germinates only when soil tempretures get above 60 degrees. That puts the deadline for Medina and the rest of Northern Ohio at early May. In the Columbus area, late April is the ideal time. Preemergence control is far more effective than postemergence control and will mean less products in your yard and more money in your wallet.

Getting Rid of Moss - Moss growing in lawns usually happens in poorly drained soils, shady conditions and low fertility soils. Getting rid of moss in these areas usually involves bringing in new soil to ammend with the old soil, and adding proper drainage.

Unlucky Clover - Unless your Irish (and even then) you might not like a whole lot of clover growing in your lawn. Clover and Wild Violet are common in both Medina and most of Ohio and can be easily prevented with a preemergence herbicide, and eliminated with a post-emergence selective product.

Weed Pro - Professional Lawn Care in Medina

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate, or click on the link below:

When Snow Turns Deadly - Lawn Care Tips That Can Save Your Lawn

Andrew Muntz — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Depending on where you are located in the Ohio, you may or may not have snow cover on your lawn. Although we haven’t had much snow this year, it can affect lawn care in Columbus, or lawn care in Cleveland.

How Snow Kills

Snow acts as an insulator to the above ground leaf tissue. This can help protect your lawn from exceptionally cold winds. Cold winds can cause some winter injury to the less cold hardy grasses such as tall fescue.

Snow Caused Disease

Snow can also create an environment for what we call snow mold. This is a disease that is triggered by the moist, humid, environment that a blanket of snow can create. Generally the snow cover will need to be around for a few days or longer and be present on unfrozen soils. To put it into a nutshell, we have very favorable conditions for this disease right now.

Like a Bad Haircut...

Snow molds are often unsightly in the short term. Your lawn will most likely grow out of the condition in the spring after it is fertilized, aerated, and the growing season begins. Lawn diseases are an interesting topic. I will go over some of the basics in future posts.

In the upcoming months, when the snow is gone, and the temperatures begin to rise, get out and take a look at your lawn. If you notice anything that looks like winter damage, take note of it and ask your lawn care company when they are in the neighborhood.

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

More Than Lawn Care Customers - Our Amazing Friends

Shaun Kanary — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:12:00 GMT

By Dawn Burt, Weed Pro's Office Manager.

Since romance is the theme of the week, we thought we would share a little story with all of you. In lieu of a grass-related blog, here is our little ‘romance blog’ for the week.

Not Only a Lawn Care Customer - A Tremendous Author

While discussing our favorite topic (lawn care, of course) Susan, our administrative assistant, recently discovered that one of our Weed Pro customer’s is an author! Mary Campisi not only has the best lawn care in Avon Lake, she also has several books available for your reading pleasure on Amazon.com.

Susan downloaded “The Way They Were” the same day she spoke to Mary on the phone. Susan told me about Mary and I checked out her website right away. I’m a sucker for a great romance novel, too! I’ve read “The Way They Were” and “Pulling Home” and loved both books. I am excited to start another one tonight. The hard part is deciding which book to read next. Who would’ve guessed Susan and I would find our new favorite author at Weed Pro?

So What's Your Story?

This experience left us wondering, do we have any rocket scientists or teeth models as customers? What do you do for a living? What Weed Pro customer has the “coolest” job? We’d love to hear from you! Go to our Facebook page and give us a little taste of what makes your job cool!

If you'd like to read more about Mary and her books, check out her website www.marycampisi.com. You can find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/marycampisibooks and also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MaryCampisi .

If you’re interested in reading Mary’s works of art, you can purchase them on Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/7leeozq.

Fixing that Winter Damage – Gahanna Lawn Care

Shaun Kanary — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:22:00 GMT

As we look to exit another tough Central Ohio winter, we can't help but notice all the yellow grass around Gahanna. The unusual fluctuation of temperatures have lead some turf to begin to come out of it’s dormancy early, and become exposed to a rapid cool down. This has caused dangerous levels of stress, and will have a dramatic affect on the 2012 growing season.

Seeding Damaged Areas

Simply throwing some seed down this spring in thin and dead areas will be ineffective. To get the best results you must begin with a core aeration. Aerating your lawn will allow both proper soil decompaction, and also will allow the seed to penetrate the surface, making direct contact with the soil.

What’s On The Menu? – Soil Testing for Selecting Fertilizer

Another way to promote a healthy spring growing season is figuring out what exactly to feed your lawn. Your soil may be lacking sufficient nutrients that could help your lawn recover and green up quicker. Most lawn care companies provide soil testing for free, and will provide you with a written explanation and plan to restore proper soil conditions.

Weed Pro – Professional Lawn Care in Gahanna

The professionals at Weed Pro can help you decide what’s best for your lawn, and design a custom lawn care. Weed Pro can help you get that yard back into shape. We staff only licensed and trained technicians that keep your family (and pets) safe with 100% eco-friendly, safer products and adhere to the regulations for safe usage of those products.

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate, or click on the link below:

The One-Step Method to Improve Your Lawn – Strongsville Lawn Care

Shaun Kanary — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:04:00 GMT

We all want that lawn that looks like a major-league baseball field. However some people fertilize over and over again, never getting those results. Extreme weather in Strongsville adds to the difficulty of keeping your lawn healthy. If you experience thin and patchy grass, fertilization can’t correct that problem. The one-step solution to most thin, unhealthy grass: a good core aeration.

The Practice of Core Aeration

Aerating your lawn involves punching hollow tubes into your lawn, removing thousands of small cores of soil, creating pockets of air in your lawn. Soil cores are left on the surface, breaking down and becoming organic nutrients for your lawn. Core aeration is the most important, and overlooked, part of a lawn care program not only in Strongsville, but anywhere else in Ohio.

Let it Breathe! The Benefits of Core Aeration

A core aeration can provide numerous benefits to your lawn that fertilizer alone cannot, such as:

Relieves Soil Compaction – the leading cause of areas of thin grass is soil compaction. Compacted soil does not allow for water or oxygen to get to your turf’s root system, preventing them from growing thick and healthy.
Delivers Oxygen, Water, & Nutrients – Core aeration provides your turf’s root zone with important oxygen, water, and nutrients, causing better overall health.
Aids Thatch Breakdown – Aerating your lawn helps with that breakdown by introducing thatch-decomposing microorganisms to reach the top of the thatch layer.

When to Aerate and Fertilize in Strongsville

Aerations should take place at least once to twice a year, typically in the fall or spring. Fall is the perfect time to aerate due to the cooler weather and dry conditions. Spring is also an acceptable time, however it’s important to be careful not to wait too late, when aeration could harm the crown of the plant.

Weed Pro – Professional Lawn Care in Strongsville

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate, or click on the link below:

The Surprising Effects of Professional Lawn Care on YOUR Health!

Shaun Kanary — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:08:00 GMT

Over the past few blogs, we have discussed the environmental benefits of professional lawn care, but many people are surprised that it can positively affect your physical and mental well-being.

Many of our favorite sports are played on turfgrass. Football, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, and many more sports are often played on a natural turfgrass surface. These sports can be both a form of exercise for you and your family, or a form of entertainment. Could you imagine playing football on concrete? Or maybe watching baseball in a forest? Of course these other surfaces have their place in the world, but because our favorite sports are played on a lush turf surface, they become fun to watch or play.

If you are not a sports enthusiast, professional lawn care services can provide that perfect oasis for mental and physical benefits for you too! A stroll through your lawn on a nice spring afternoon is good for your mind and your health.

Lawns also have a certain “zen” to them. When combined with a lush garden, your lawn can provide a space to just sit, and relax. Close your eyes and listen to the birds and other sounds of nature. Relax on that lawn with friends and family. Soft, safe surfaces create a state of mental relaxation.

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Columbus Lawn Care - Healthy Lawns, Healthy Lives

Shaun Kanary — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Professional lawn care has many great qualities that we have discussed in past blogs, but here are a couple you might not “hear” about very often!

Dense Happy Grass = Less Noise!

A healthy dense lawn has the ability to reduce noise in and around your home. Lawn is similar to the carpet or a rug in your home. A room that has hard wood floors does not absorb near as much noise as a carpeted room. Just like carpet or a rug, lawns will absorb a lot of exterior noise which will make for a more enjoyable neighbor hood. When combining trees, shrubs, and your lawn you can achieve a lot of noise abatement that asphalt, concrete or other hard surfaces would not absorb.

Healthy Maintain Lawns = Less Mosquitoes & Snakes

Another nuisance that lawns can remove from areas around your home are more visible than loud noises. Animals and insects such as snakes, rodents, mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers all prefer to reside in taller grasses. Having a well-maintained lawn will keep these pests away from your home, children, and pets.

It has been said, that one of the reasons lawns became popular was because they created a separation between a home and wooded areas. During initial development this was meant to keep live stock safe from different forest dwelling creatures. Since most of us don’t keep goats in our front yards, we don’t think of lawns in that respect. However, we do use our lawns for recreation, entertainment, and other outside activities where some of these pests are not welcomed.

Keeping your lawn well groomed and healthy will reduce noise and nuisance pests that can carry serious health concerns. More reasons to keep your lawn looking its best, and Weed Pro can help!

Weed Pro – Local Lawn Care in Columbus

Weed Pro is Central Ohio’s premier lawn care company. We are also proud to be a part of the Columbus community.

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate.

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Sunbury Lawn Care - Increasing Your Property Value

Shaun Kanary — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:25:00 GMT

What’s it Worth to You?

We all know that improving your home’s roof, siding, and windows can have an immediate impact on the value of your home. But did you know that improving the look and color of your lawn with professional lawn care has an impact too?

The surprising truth is that in Sunbury, improving your home’s lawn appearance does have a positive impact in your homes value. A well-manicured lawn and landscape, according to some real estate agents, can raise your property’s value by over 5%. At those rates, improving your lawn and landscape is an easy way to improve your investment in your home.

Lawn care is even more important when selling your home in Sunbury. Not only does a beautiful landscape increase your home’s value, but it also serves as the first impression to potential buyers when approaching your home. A lawn overridden by weeds and dead brush can automatically give a negative perception of the house, even before seeing what the inside has to offer.

Tips for Improving that Lawn

Test your soil. A good-looking lawn starts with understanding what kind of food your lawn needs to grow strong and healthy. Weed Pro and all good professional lawn care companies provide testing at no charge.
Feed Me! Fertilizing your lawn is not as easy as it may sound. Like your body, it needs certain nutrients. After receiving the results of your soil test, you’ll know exactly what your lawn needs, and can layout a proper “nutrition” plan to keep it green!
Preemergents are you friends! The best way to get rid of weeds and crabgrass is to prevent them from growing early in the year with fertilizers that contain preemergents.
Spot treat your weeds. Ever here the term, “they are growing like a weed?” Well, it’s true. Even if you put down preemergent and follow up with “weed & feed” fertilizers, weeds will pop up in between treatments. The best way to hand this is to buy a bottle of selective spot weed killer and take care of them as they pop up.

Weed Pro’s Commitment to Sunbury and Columbus

Weed Pro is Central Ohio’s premier lawn care company. We are also proud to be a part of the Sunbury community.

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate, or click the button below:

Lawn Care in Cuyahoga Falls – Professional Lawn Care by Weed Pro

Shaun Kanary — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Achieving that beautiful lawn in Cuyahoga Falls just got a little easier with help from Weed Pro. New to Summit County, Weed Pro has been treating lawns in Northeast Ohio for over 10 years. 100% Eco Friendly, and Safe for your family (including those on 4 legs!), Weed Pro offers traditional programs as well as an all organic program.

Keeping You, Your Pets, & The Environment Safe

With Weed Pro you get Local Care and Expert Results because we care about your lawn, our community, and most importantly the health of you and your family. Weed Pro staffs only licensed and trained technicians that keep your family (and pets) safe with 100% eco-friendly, safer products and adhere to the regulations for safe usage of those products. Additionally, Weed Pro offers an organic program for those residents that feel strongly about organic products.

Treating Every Yard Uniquely - Successful Cuyahoga Falls Lawn Care

Not every yard is the same, and don’t let other lawn care companies in Cuyahoga Falls tell you they are! We treat every yard differently, which leads to excellent results. When we treat your lawn, a State Certified and Trained Technician will:

Identify pH levels in your lawn. The color of your lawn is closely tied to this factor. The right pH level can make all the difference in the world.
Apply the correct Pre-Emergents. We make to use pre-emergents that will prevent yard problems that are specific to Cuyahoga Falls.
Spot treat weeds in between treatments. “They’re growing like a weed” is a common saying for a reason. Weeds grow quickly, and spot treatments are a must. Weed Pro offers free spot treatments in between applications.

Weed Pro’s Commitment to Cuyahoga Falls

Weed Pro is North East Ohio’s premier lawn care company. We are also proud to be a part of this community.

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate, or click the button below:

Weed Pro's Free Tree & Shrub Insect/Disease Guide

Shaun Kanary — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:32:00 GMT

Ever wonder what that weblike sack was hanging off your birch tree? Ever wonder what those ickky worms were all over your spruce? After many requests, Weed Pro has decided to release a Free Tree and Shrub Insect Guide that will walk any homeowner throught the problems commonly found in Ohio landscapes.

With Weed Pro's Free Tree and Shrub Disease and Insect Guide, you'll be able to diagnose your problem and get the correct treatment by learning how to identify:

Disease & Insect Damage;
Symptoms and overall health issues;
and find treatments for each problem!

This guide is everything you'll need to diagnose problems with all your trees & shrubs. It was put together by Weed Pro's Certified Arborist, Nathan Conover, to help you diagnose problems with your landscape.

From listing the signs of the most common insects to common disease issues that you might see in your landscape this spring, this guide is the perfect companion for any novice gardener/landscaper.

Best yet, Weed Pro wants you to have this guide absolutely free! Simply click on the button below to download this book for yourself!

Emerald Ash Borer & Other Landscape Problems - Tree and Shrub Care

Shaun Kanary — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Landscaping and lawn maintenance is not rocket science. A lot of you already know that. For the rest of you (and believe me, I use to be in this group), I am here to help. I’ll be honest. I don’t know everything. But, what I do know, I’ll be glad to share with you. The way I look at it, you’re the one looking at the trees and shrubs all of the time. If you have a better understanding of what you see out there, I can help that much more; that much faster too!

So, let me make my formal introduction: My name is Nate Conover. For those of you that have our Tree & Shrub service, I’m that goofy looking guy you see tromping through your landscape, spraying your trees and shrubs during the season. For those of you that don’t have our service…

I’m not that goofy looking.

Either way, I’d like to help you identify the issues in your landscape. Like I said, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure these things out.

I’m not.

In today’s article (or, as the hip kids call it, a blog), I’m going to list the signs of the most common insect and disease issues that you might see in your landscape this spring. Now, don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of information I’m about to lay on you here. As the season goes on, I’m gonna revisit these issues as they arise. Relax; I’m here for you!

The Emerald Ash Borer

I’m gonna cut right to the chase with this first one. It’s getting the most attention in the news recently and I’m going to help you identify it. It’s the Emerald Ash Borer. I’m sure that you’ve heard all the horror stories of how Michigan hardly has anymore ash trees because of this pest. Here’s what to look for.

1. Canopy dieback. In other words, look for the top third of the tree to have less leaves or, no leaves at all.

2. Watch for sprouts to come up from the roots. These are usually much greener than the other leaves on the tree. If your neighbor has an ash tree and he/she has this issue, you can impress them by telling them that these sprouts are called Epicormic shoots.

3. Another thing to look for is splitting bark. And, under the bark, you’ll see these snaking grooves in the hard wood. Again, you can impress that neighbor of yours by calling these serpentine galleries… And, no, that’s not a song by Earth, Wind and Fire.

4. The last things that you can look for are increased woodpecker activity and D shaped holes in the bark.

Common Spring Pests & Diseases

Let’s go over some pests and diseases that you may find in the landscape this spring. Remember, if you have any further questions about these things or if you see them, give me a call at the office and, when the weather lets up, I’ll come and check things out!

Apple Scab

Your crab apple trees can get this disease in the late spring; especially if it is a wet one.

Watch for brown spots on the leaves.
Yellowed leaves that have fallen to the ground.
Lesions on the fruit.

Lace bugs

These guys feed on the underside of your azalea bushes. But, you can tell that they are there by looking at the top.

The most tell tale sign is the speckling (numerous white spots) on the top of the leaves.
You can also turn the leaves over and see black spots on the under side.

Aphids

These pests also occur in the spring. They’re not devastating, but they still do damage.

Look for wilting on new growth; most commonly on spirea.
You will see large groupings of aphids. They are yellowish to bright green; about the size of a pinhead.
Black, sooty mold will be on the leaves too.

Scales

If you have euonymous or mugo pines in your landscape, you may have this pest. There are two different types. We’ll go over both.

The shrubs will have many white speckles on the leaves/needles that give them a “frosted” look. This is euonymous scale or pine needle scale.
The other type of scale (oyster shell scale) is larger and brown.
These also leave a black, nasty residue on the branches bellow them.

Free Tree & Shrub Pest Identification Guide

To help you with identification of these problems, I've put together a FREE HANDBOOK that you can download by clicking the link below:

Nate Conover is Weed Pro's Certified ISA Arborist and is in charge of Weed Pro's Tree & Shrub Program.

Serenity and Safety - Lawn Care Columbus Ohio

Shaun Kanary — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Safety of our children, pets, homes and others is a major area of concern in most of our lives. Turfgrass can help to create safe environments for everybody. Here are a few ways lawns can make our lives a little bit safer.

Creating a Serene Environment

The typical Columbus lawn is maintained between 2-4” tall and ideally is green and full of life. A lawn such as this creates a great barrier to fire. Although we do not typically have wild fires in Columbus, this is another benefit to our lives. Having less above ground biomass creates less fuel for fire to burn. Creating a healthy lawn to separate wooded areas, is creating a security blanket to your home. A healthy lawn that is actively growing will also contain moisture in the leaves. As most people know, its a lot harder to start a fire with a wet fuel source.

Turfgrass is also beneficial for deterring vandals and intruders. An open area, such as the one your lawn will create, removes areas for any unwanted visitors to hide. Perhaps something you have never thought of, this idea does make sense.

Weed Pro - Safer Products, Safer Lawns

Healthy lawns also create a safe playing surface for little ones and pets. A thick, lush lawn will provide an area where it might not hurt as bad to fall. There is a reason that many of the most popular sports such as football and soccer are played on soft, turfgrass surfaces.

Finally, lawns are used extensively along road sides in Ohio. Although we never anticipate an automobile accident, in case of emergency, there are often areas where a quick diversion into turfgrass creates a softer landing than into a tree or roadside barrier.

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Lawn Care in Westlake, Ohio – Weed Pro Your Local Experts

Shaun Kanary — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:21:00 GMT

Having a beautiful lawn isn’t only appealing to the senses, but it’s also appealing to the pocket book. Having a well-manicured lawn increases your property and home value by up to 5% in some areas. However getting that beautiful lawn is a challenge in areas such as Westlake because of our extreme cold and heat throughout the year. Some homeowners think that following a national program can deliver results. Often this line of thinking is just wrong.

Successful Westlake Lawn Care Tips

Getting into shape is a common new years resolution that many people struggle with. Those who succeed identify problems and create specific personalized strategies to lose weight and get into shape. One exercise program does not fit all. It can be just as complicated for getting that perfect lawn. Each lawn is unique, and must be treated so, with individualized plans and adjustments along the way. Some tips include:

Identify pH levels in your lawn. The color of your lawn is closely tied to this factor. The right pH level can make all the difference in the world.
Pre-emergents are your friends - as long as they are the right ones. Make sure that you use pre-emergents that will prevent yard problems that are specific to Westlake.
Spot treat weeds in between treatments. “They’re growing like a weed” is a common saying for a reason. Weeds grow quickly, and spot treatments are a must. Companies like Weed Pro offer spot treatments for free.

Weed Pro’s Commitment to Westlake

Weed Pro is Cleveland’s premier lawn care company. We are also proud to be a part of this community. Weed Pro is a proud supporter of the Westlake Youth Soccer Association, and is also the lawn care provider of Crocker Park.

Keeping You, Your Pets, & The Environment Safe

Call us today at 866-724-4555 to speak to a Weed Pro representative that can provide you with a free, no hassle, lawn care estimate, or click on the link below:

Cleveland Lawn Care – It Doesn’t Only Look Cool

Shaun Kanary — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Although lawns have a lot of great benefits to our quality of life, one benefit that is often forgotten is that a lawn properly maintained by a lawn care company can reduce surface temperatures. Professional lawn care in Cleveland or Columbus will reduce air temperatures in a given area, during our hot and humid Ohio summers.

Heat dissipation is possible in your lawn because of the biological process known as transpiration. Lawns in areas like Cleveland and Columbus Ohio, will perform at their best when air temperatures are between about 60-77º F. When temperatures rise above the optimum temperatures, plants such as turfgrasses will begin to transpire similar to a human sweating. This allows the plant to cool and maintain it’s biological functions. When a plant is transpiring, it also causes the surrounding areas to cool. This creates a more enjoyable place for everybody to live during those hot summer days!

A lot of research has been done recently to monitor the surface temperatures on synthetic athletic fields as compared to natural turfgrass areas. To give you an idea of the difference that natural grass can make, it has been seen that natural lawns have between 35-55º F, lower surface temperatures than the modern synthetic field. The highest recorded temperature on an artificial field was 200º F! One study recorded a synthetic field at 117º F, adjacent asphalt at 110º F and near-by natural grass at 78º F.

Of course the best way to ensure your lawn is transpiring and functioning properly is to maintain it with fertilizer, water, mowing, and other proper cultural practices. When your lawn is functioning at its best, your home will be the “cool” place to be this summer!

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Want Cleaner Air? The Benefits of Lawn Care Services

Shaun Kanary — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:44:00 GMT

There is no doubt that having a lawn care company take care of your lawn improves not only your home’s value, it also benefits the environment. One of these benefits is keeping the air that enters our lungs, homes, and lives clean. A healthy lawn will clean the air in 2 main ways.

The first method that healthy lawns use to clean the air is by creating a dense root system. A properly fertilized lawn will create a strong root system and eventually a dense canopy of lawn. This system of roots and leaves holds on to the soil in which it is growing, thus keeping it from drying up and blowing into the air. If you have ever been near a crop field during a harvest period, you know that when soil is bare and dry it can enter the air and become quite a nuisance!

The second method is through photosynthesis and respiration. Without taking you back to high school biology, this is the process where Carbon Dioxide (bad) is taken out of the air and used as energy in the plant. In exchange your lawn will produce oxygen. This process happens in most plants. Turfgrass may have an advantage over trees, shrubs, and perennials because it has a longer growing season.

It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t mention the idea of lawn mowing. Mowing is one of the most important practices, however most mowers are run on fossil fuels. These fuels release carbon dioxide when they are running. Some research has been done to estimate the balance involved with turf and carbon sequestration. It was seen that a properly maintained lawn will take more of that carbon out of the air and store it in the soil, as compared to an unfertilized lawn. In a perfect world, we would be able to grow and maintain a lawn with zero emissions into the environment. Technology and new advancements towards sustainability will lead lawn care down that avenue in the near future.

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Is Your Pet Safe? - Avoid Danger When Choosing a Lawn Care Company

Shaun Kanary — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:28:00 GMT

Many of us consider our pet to be part of the family, so we constantly look out for their health. But those with pets do not have to sacrifice a great looking lawn, or choose an expensive organic program, to keep our pets safe in the lawn.

The Truth About Fertilizer

The fact is that most products that we, as humans, ingest have products within them that in large dosages could make us sick. For example, antacids contain magnesium that when ingested in large amounts can make us very ill. The same is true with fertilizer. While a synthetic product, almost all fertilizers are harmless for pets and humans if proper amounts are applied. In fact, over 90% of pet poisoning from fertilizer results when a pet consumes a large amount from an open container in the garage or shed. So if you are planning to do your own fertilizing, proper storage of the materials is a must. If you are planning to hire a company to do your fertilizing, make sure that they are licensed applicators that have been trained properly to apply the correct, safe, amounts.

Is Organic Fertilizer Safer?

The truth is that both Organic Fertilizer and Synthetic Fertilizer, when applied correctly, are safe for pets. However, just like synthetic fertilizer, large amounts of organic fertilizer can be poisonous to pets. Most organic fertilizers contain bone and blood meal that can cause serious complications to a pet’s health when consumed in large amounts.

Being Careful with Weed & Insect Control

Weed and Insect Control is often applied as a spray on most grasses. Large amounts of the product are not meant for four-legged consumption. Again, most serious poisoning with weed control and insecticides occur when pets ingest large amounts that are often stored in containers. However, weed and insect control when wet can cause irritation to your pets feet and if ingested could cause slight to mild diarrhea. When drying after 30-45 minutes, it does not pose a threat to you or your pet’s health.

Choosing “Pet Friendly” Lawn Care Companies – Licensing & Training

There are many lawn care companies in Cleveland and Columbus Ohio that offer comprehensive lawn care services for your lawn. But how do you know if they are safe for your pets and family? When choosing a company get to know who will be your applicator applying the products on your lawn. Make sure that he/she is licensed and current with the latest training by the State of Ohio to be applying products to your lawn.

Weed Pro’s Licensed & Trained Technicians

Weed Pro Technicians go through extensive EPA and State of Ohio testing to make sure that they are up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations when applying fertilizer to your lawn. To learn more about pet safety and your options for lawn care, speak to a Weed Pro Service Technician at 800-724-4555.

Grow Grass Seed Like the Pros! - Lawn Care Columbus Ohio

Shaun Kanary — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:28:00 GMT

Spring Seeding – Columbus Lawn Care

As the spring quickly approaches Columbus, March is the perfect time to repair some of the damage that last year’s hot summer has caused. While fall seeding is still the “popular” time to seed according to most industry experts, spring is also a great time to regrow your lawn in certain areas.

Soil Preparation

Before Columbus lawn care kicks into gear, consider doing the job while the ground is still somewhat frozen. Mid to late March is a perfect time to get out and spot seed areas in your lawn. The seed will lie dormant until soil temperatures become warm enough to allow the seed to germinate, typically in April or early May. This technique is called “dormant seeding” and produces very favorable results.

Dormant Seeding

Dormant seeding is so effective because in the early spring the soil structure naturally changes by heaving and cracking. This allows for seed to fall through and make contact with good soil. The general rule when seeding is that the better the seed/soil contact, the better off your germination rates will be.

Proper Watering

As soon as Columbus temperatures rise above 55 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis. Continue watering even after the seeds germinate, allowing the turf’s roots to become established. Keeping the top ¼” of the soil moist will allow for the perfect environment for seed to grow.

Fertilization

Spring fertilizer often contains pre-emergent weed and crabgrass control and can prevent grass seed from germinating. Consider a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to maximize root growth.

Free Spring Seeding Guide

For further information, download Weed Pro’s Free Spring Seeding Guide. The guide will walk you through the steps for growing the perfect lawn!

Environmental Benefits of Lawn Care: It's More Than Just Grass

Shaun Kanary — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered why Americans have such an obsession with their lawns? The obvious answer is because of the aesthetic qualities that a well maintained lawn can add to your home or business. Believe it or not, that beautiful lawn actually performs many other functions that can improve everyone’s quality of life.

What a well maintained, fertilized lawn does that's Eco-Friendly:

Soil erosion- a dense healthy lawn uses it’s roots to hold your ground
Dust prevention- thick lawns keep dust from entering the air and out of our lungs, homes, and waterways
Heat dissipation- surfaces covered with natural vegetation can greatly reduce surface air temperatures
Noise reduction- just like carpet in a home, healthy lawns can absorb noise
Air pollution- CO₂ is absorbed and filtered during active growing periods, and oxygen is released
Nuisance animal reduction- mowing lawns on a regular basis will keep unwanted animals such away
Low cost surface- compared to some other possible exterior surfaces, lawns are relatively inexpensive
Physical/Mental Health- Lawns provide areas for recreation, sport, exercise, and relaxation.
Safety- A dense lawn can act as a cushion during recreational activities, providing safe landing for little (and sometimes big) ones!
Aesthetics- a well manicured lawn can enhance a landscape and curb appeal
Increased property value- A well maintained lawn and landscape have been said to increase a properties value up to 15%!
Compliments trees and shrubs- high quality lawn care will enhance the beauty of other landscape components such as trees, shrubs, and perennials
Quality of life- when all of the above benefits are put together, the quality of life for homeowners, a neighborhood, and a community are all increased.

Keep these benefits in mind next time you think you are “just mowing the grass.” Our lawns are much more than “just grass.”

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Lawn Care Companies: Providing a Healthy Lawn & Environment

Shaun Kanary — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:04:00 GMT

Turfgrass & the Environment - Holding your Ground

Turfgrass has a very important benefit to the environment, your wallet, and your property. Areas of well maintained lawns have dense, intricate systems of roots that literally will keep your land from washing down the drain.

When a lawn is taken care of properly by fertilizing, mowing, irrigating, and other cultural practices, it will perform at it’s best. Lawn fertilizer companies provide required nutrients through a good lawn care programs that will encourage the turfgrass plants to grow strong root systems. These roots will then bind to soil particles and prevent soil erosion and soak up excessive amounts of rain water. Weakly established an maintained areas of turf are often subject to weak root systems and can allow soil to slowly erode during periods of rain and snow fall. Weak stands of turf are also subject to weed infestation which is another topic of discussion.

Testing Your Soil - The Free Checkup Your Lawn Needs

Providing your lawn with just the right amount of nutrients is best done by soil testing. A basic soil test can give you an idea of how much of any nutrient your lawn will need to grow strong root systems. Soil is a very valuable asset that many people over look because, well it is underground! Soil test should be done once every 1-2 years. When done correctly, a soil test will help to keep your fertilizing cost down, keep your lawn looking its best, maximize environmental benefits, and help the environment.

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.

Free Lawn Soil Test & Lawn Care Guide from Weed Pro

When in doubt just remember, “Don’t guess, soil test!” Weed Pro is here to help with that! Simply click the button below to fill out a form and receive a Free Soil Kit in the mail. Weed Pro will provide you the results within 4-5 weeks, along with a Guide and Lawn Care Quote.

Break the Ice & Prevent Costly Lawn Care Services

Shaun Kanary — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:52:00 GMT

Winter Lawn Care Tips: Using deicing materials responsibly

When snow and ice are present during the winter months it is easy to forget about your lawns. However it is important to remember to use your deicing materials responsibly. It can save you money on costly treatments from a lawn care company.

Rock salt is a product that has been used for years to break up ice on sidewalks and roadways. Rock salt works great to eliminate potential hazardous patches of ice. How does this affect your lawn? When these salts make their way to your lawn, you may be encouraging headaches next summer, here’s why.

Just when you eat a meal that has a heavy amount of sodium, your body tends to need to absorb more water. When sodium chloride (salt) enters your soil it also absorbs water. When a soil becomes heavily concentrated with salts, potential soil water is not available for your lawn. Of course our lawns need water, so if they can’t get the water, they will die.

This is a perfect area for weeds to make their way into your yard. Weeds have competitive abilities that will allow them to grow in “salty” soils. Many times in the spring and early summer if you look to areas near roadways or sidewalks you will see dead turfgrass that is later infested with weeds such as crabgrass.

When keeping your walkways clear during the winter, work to keep the salt off your lawn. Some products are safer for lawns and may be a good substitute, however the best method is using your tools responsibly.

A recent study by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln explores the pros & cons of this issue and provides some great detailed information on different types of deicing materials and how they affect your lawn. The article can be found here: http://turf.unl.edu/pdfctarticles/DeicersOCT2101.pdf

Author: Andrew Muntz received his Master’s of Science in Turfgrass science and his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State University, Columbus OH.