As Americans, we have a can-do, self-reliant mind frame. And that is a great thing; it has made us competent and successful and strong.

But there are also times we need to admit our limitations, step back, and let the experts step up. Most would agree that surgery is a prime example. However, as exaggerated as it might sound on the surface, so is lawn care, especially the management of weed control and healthy growth of grass and other desirable plants.

Flying Solo

The reasons to do these things on your own are easy to understand. Naturally, there is a desire to save money. Firing up the lawnmower, spreading fertilizer and seed, and spraying herbicides are all simple and economical, no doubt about it.

For some people, gardening and lawn care are their passions. Few things satisfy them the way spending hours out in the lawn and garden does. And that’s great! We totally get that!

There is also the “escape factor.” We all love our families, but sometimes we need a break, especially on the weekends. It’s okay to admit it! When that urge comes on, plugging in the earbuds and getting behind a lawnmower or slipping into some gardening gloves might sound pretty close to perfect.

Finally, never underestimate the appeal of just being outside. We make a living working outside and completely understand.

Fertilization

Fertilizing a lawn is one of those tasks you may want to do on your own.

Your lawn needs nutrients in order for grass to grow and remain healthy. Rain can wash them away, and the nutrients do not always naturally occur. Fertilization is the answer to this.

Fertilizers come in two forms: liquid and granular. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks. Liquid fertilizers, for example, can be less expensive and produce faster results, but they are easier to misuse, causing damage to the lawn. Granular fertilizers, on the other hand, tend to cost more and take longer to work but are less susceptible to misapplication.

Applying Herbicides

Alongside seeding, fertilizing, and mowing, a big task you will have as a lawn manager is weed control.

There are two types of weed control: pre-emergent and post-emergent. The former prevents weed growth from starting, and the latter attacks weed growth once it has begun.

  • There are some weeds (dandelion and clover, for example) that pre-emergents cannot control.
  • The harsh summer conditions resulting from heat and drought often kill newer, weaker grass, which creates bare spots that weeds absolutely excel at taking over.

In other words, you will get weeds and you will need to deal with them. Your kids might stop talking to you for a few hours after you shut down the fun of blowing dandelion seeds all around the yard, but your lawn will thank you. And the kids shunning you for a bit might be a relief, too!

So now you are at your local store and deciding what post-emergent herbicide(s) to use. There are a couple of things to consider:

In other words, you will get weeds and you will need to deal with them. Your kids might stop talking to you for a few hours after you shut down the fun of blowing dandelion seeds all around the yard, but your lawn will thank you. And the kids shunning you for a bit might be a relief, too!

Do You Need a Systemic or a Contact Herbicide?

A systemic is absorbed by the plant from the top all the way to the root, ensuring it will never return, and it is great against perennial weeds. A contact kills the exposed areas, stopping the weed from photosynthesizing, and it is effective against annual weeds; in other words, you not only kill the weed but also keep it from reproducing that same season.

Do You Need a Selective or Non-Selective Herbicide?

Selectives target particular weeds or spots; non-selective target a broader area and could kill plants you want. Think targeted cruise missile vs. nuclear bomb. It’s important to know exactly what your situation requires.

Before buying, talk to a specialist in the store. Better yet, consult a professional service.

The Pitfalls of Going on Your Own

It’s really easy to head out with some fertilizer or herbicide and start spraying away, and it might even be fun in its own way.

However, there are potential problems:

  • Timing is so important. If you apply fertilizer at the wrong time, it may not be effective.
  • Applying herbicide at the same time you apply fertilizer may prevent grass from growing.
  • If you apply the wrong type of herbicide, you might accidentally kill grass and plants you wanted to keep.
  • If things go wrong, the money you thought you were saving may evaporate, and you may end up spending more to control and repair the damage.

The Pros Will Save You Time and Money

Yes, you knew it was all leading here. But if you’ve read this far, please stay with us!

Before we go into why you should entrust the experts with your lawn, let’s address a concern you might have based on what we said earlier.

“Well, I really like getting outside and spending time in the garden.” You still can. We are not going to take that from you, but we will shoulder the headaches and leave you with the fun parts.

There are several benefits of going with the pros:

  • Expertise. We know when and how to treat your lawn. Back to that matter of herbicides interfering with fertilization and growth– we even know how to promote growth and control weeds at the same time.
  • Savings. Doing it the wrong way in the name of saving money can actually cost you more in the long run.
  • Value. A healthy, well-manicured lawn will increase the resale value of your home.
  • Time. What is more important than time? Time with family, time to catch up on work, time to do whatever it is you want to do. You pay for a service, but you also buy time.

Sharp Lawn Care is ready to save you time, money, and hassle today, and we will beautify and protect your home as well. Talk with us!