Archive for March, 2010

Damage from bird seed

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Damage from bird seed

Feeding wild birds can be done throughout the year, although it’s especially important during the winter months. Whether or not you continue to feed the birds during the summer, it’s still wise to clean the area under the bird feeder.

Compacted seeds and shells can prevent grass from receiving the essential air, moisture, and sunlight it needs to awaken from dormancy and begin growing. There’s also the risk that some seeds will begin to sprout, creating plants you may not wish to have growing in your yard.

If you find you don’t have the time or tools to clean up under your bird feeder(s)—or other after-winter yard maintenance—please contact us. We’re here to help you care for your lawn.

Bob Kroth, Owner
Certified Turfgrass Professional
Parkway Lawn Service
(612) 869-5878

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Pet Damage Over Winter

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Damage from pets

After the snow melts, it’s easy to see what damage has been caused by pets “doing business” in the yard. It’s important to pick up feces that contain bacteria that can remain on the lawn or drain with water runoff into streams and lakes.

The acid in pet urine burns the grass, leaving yellow spots in a lawn. As grass begins to grow, small spots may fill in from the edge toward the center. Larger spots can be treated with gypsum, a granular substance that is available by the bag at hardware or lawn stores.

When applying gypsum, rough up the spot with a cultivating fork or similar tool and sprinkle the gypsum evenly over the spot. The alkalinity of the gypsum neutralizes the acid in the soil.

After time, rough up the spot again, sprinkle with grass seed, step on the seed to firm it in place, and water lightly several times a day until the grass begins to sprout—usually within 10 to 14 days.

If you find you don’t have the time or tools to repair pet-damaged grass—or other after-winter yard maintenance—please contact us. We’re here to help you care for your lawn.

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Don’t Do Spring Yard Work Too Early

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Spring officially arrives this year on March 20th, but with our recent unseasonably warm weather, it’s tempting to want to spend a little time outside doing yard work. I urge you to hold off. Why? Because until the earth thaws and dries completely, footsteps and raking can damage turf and topsoil.

 

Your footprints may compact soil, preventing air and moisture from penetrating the soil just as it’s beginning to “wake up” from its long winter dormancy.

 

The same principle that makes weeds easier to pull after rainfall or watering also makes it possible for a rake’s tines to pull grass out by its roots. Try to resist raking until your lawn is completely dry. Instead, spend time outdoors visiting with neighbors or planning your garden!

 

And please, don’t forget that our lawn care professionals can help you with all your lawn-care and renovation chores. We’re happy to provide a prompt free estimate; just call or email us today.

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Spring Greetings from Parkway Lawn Service

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Although it doesn’t really look like Spring yet, we know that a meltdown is fast approaching. The winter of 2009-2010 was one for the record books in many ways. Along with you, our valued customers, we are anxious to see winter in the rear-view mirror.  Let’s get on with the greening up of spring.

One sure sign of spring is summer contract renewals.  Within the next couple of weeks, we will wrap up mailing summer contract renewal letters.  Past customers should receive these renewals shortly – if you haven’t already.

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