Sod: Lawns Your Questions
How do I get rid of dog spots?
Dog spots are brown or yellow patches edged with dark green and are a very common lawn problem. The main reason for the dead grass is the high nitrogen and salt content in the dog’s urine. This creates a burn exactly like over-fertilizing. As the nitrogen dilutes towards the edge of the spot it actually feeds the grass, resulting in the green areas. The best way to deal with this is to heavily water the area to flush out the excess nitrogen and salt. Gypsum, lime, or top-dressing may be applied in order to increase drainage. If this is a recurring problem in your lawn, planting a resistant grass like fescue will reduce the appearance of damage.
The grass under my evergreen is dead or dying. What can I do?
Grass will not grow under spruce and other evergreens for a number of reasons. The tree blocks both the sunlight and the rain resulting in a dark, dry area. The best way to deal with this is to allow the spruce branches to grow to the ground as they would naturally. Pruning off the lower limbs will not encourage the grass to grow, instead it simply emphasizes the problem. If this pruning has already been done there are a few things that you can try: seed with a drought and shade-tolerant grass like a fescue, apply lime to reduce any accumulated acidity from the needles, water more often, or use perennials like Aegopodium or Lily-of-the-Valley as ground covers. The easiest thing to do in the long run is to lay down landscape fabric and apply mulch or decorative stone beneath the tree.
I have heard that a lawn needs to be dethatched? What does this mean and how do I do it?
Thatch is a layer of undecomposed grass stems and roots that accumulates near the soil surface. This is a natural part of lawn growth and is only harmful if the thatch is thicker than 1/2 inch (1cm). If it is too thick the grass will root into the thatch, which does not have the water holding capabilities of soil, causing the grass to dry out quickly in hot weather. The best ways to control thatch are: a spring power raking, aerating with a coring machine (removes plugs of earth, allowing air and moisture to help decompose the thatch), or top dressing with a thin layer of soil to help break down the thatch. Spray on products and microorganisms are available to assist in dethatching by accelerating the decomposing process.
What can you tell me about aerating my lawn?
Aerating allows oxygen into the soil; oxygen is important for healthy root growth which in turn is important for a healthy lawn. It also improves compacted soil, thatch problems, and clay soils. Aerating breaks up the thatch and loosens the soil, encouraging new deeper root growth, making the lawn more heat and drought tolerant. The lawn should be aerated in early spring and fall if using a coring aerator ( a machine that removes plugs of soil) or anytime of the year if the spiking method is used (punching holes in the ground with a spike or metal tine). It is best to consult a professional if a coring method is required.
What is the difference between granular and liquid fertilizer?
A good quality slow-release granular fertilizer will feed the lawn for around two months, depending on the weather and the brand purchased. Liquid fertilizer has a faster effect but it only lasts in the soil for approximately a month, again depending on the weather. Goldan Acre carries liquid fertilizer/herbicide combinations, see in-store for more details and information.
