Page 45 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

with regular maintenance, it avoids needing to tear up the lawn or use unnecessary chemicals.
“It has many positive environmental impacts as well,” says Russ.
A healthy lawn provides localized cooling and filters pollutants from the air and rainfall, while also preventing excess runoff and erosion, and improves soil through the addition of organic material. It has less disease; over time
it will require fewer repairs, treatments and product applications, which also saves you money.
“And it can boost the resale value of your home by providing wonderful curb appeal,” says Russ.
Keeping pests out
It’s common knowledge that watering your lawn regularly
will help with its health – especially during drier and hotter
summers. Early morning is
the best time to water as it’s generally cooler and gives the grass time to absorb the liquid.
But, that can only go so far. And once the grass starts to turn yellow, the stressed lawn is susceptible to infestations of insects such as grubs and cinch bugs.
These common grass pests attack weaker and stressed lawns and could cause larger issues than an unhealthy- looking lawn. Not only will they gnaw away at your grass, but racoons, skunks and other predators will dig up your lawn looking for a late- night snack.
“If you have areas where the turf has been dug – and not by you or your children – it’s a sign grubs have made your property a home,” says Russ. “These pests can do a lot of damage very quickly, so it’s important to solve the issue fast. We can come out and do a consultation on how to fix the situation and advise you on what other pest problems could arise in the coming seasons.”
Fall maintenance
Dethatching, aerating and seeding aren’t only important in the spring. It’s a good idea to ensure these vital parts of lawn care take place in the fall as well: they will help your lawn recover from the stress of summer.
Dethatching promotes a healthy lawn by allowing
for water, air and nutrients to get into the soil and roots. Thatch consists of dead grass, leaves and other organic material which can be detrimental to your lawn. While a bit of thatch isn’t always bad, too much build- up can cause issues such
as promoting disease and allowing insects to set in.
A core aeration – pulling
small plugs
of soil from your lawn
– allows for better
penetration of water and
air. The plugs quickly break down and add to a healthy lawn. A good seeding at the appropriate time in the fall will take root and help lead to a healthier lawn in the spring.
The Ironwood team also cuts lawns in the fall a little shorter than their standard three-inch minimum height maintained through the summer.
“It will help keep the thatch build-up to a minimum before the snow covers the ground,” says Russ. “You’ll reap the rewards of a good maintenance plan when
a greener, healthier lawn appears in the spring.” DS
BY CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
440 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge 705-645-1490 www.IronwoodPropertyCare.com
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