fbpx

Yard Surfer

The Ultimate Guide to Loving Your Yard

aerator

How to Use a Lawn Scarifier

By Leave a Comment

How to use a Lawn ScarifierHelp!  My yard is full of debris!

When excess thatch builds up in lawn soil, a lawn scarifier is often employed to break up the ground and remove debris. Everyday debris and dead grass can typically be removed with a spring lawn rake.

However, when years of growth need to be removed, the small tines on these lawn rakes are often not enough to penetrate the ground. Thatch is composed of dead grass and sometimes moss which can gather on and below the ground.

Over time, this layer can become so thick that is suffocated your lawn, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots.

Thatch does not break down or degrade over time, allowing it to build up.

Electric Scarifier Plus Lawn Dethatcher with Collection Bag

Check Best Price on Amazon

Lawns require a certain ratio of carbon and nitrogen to grow properly

Thatch happens to have an abundance of carbon and little nitrogen, a bad combination for growing green grass. When the thatch becomes deeper than 1/2 inch, it is time to use a scarifier to break it up.

If left untreated, thatch can become a breeding ground for plant disease and insects. It becomes a barrier that prevents oxygen, water and nutrients from reaching the roots.

Shoot density plummets, resulting in a thin and unattractive lawn. It the worst case, it will turn brown and die.

What is a Lawn Scarifier?

Lawn scarifiers come in several different forms but each do the same thing.

When pulled over a lawn, they dig into the ground with a set of sharp metal teeth. These teeth tear apart tough thatch, allowing water to penetrate the ground once again.

A portion of the thatch is also removed in this process.

The scarifier teeth range in depth from 0.5 to around 1.5 inches in depth depending on the model.

Some units even have adjustable teeth. The most basic of scarifiers are the manual push-roller models.

They look quite similar to a push reel lawnmower except that they have a series of teeth on the end. Users pull on the handles, rolling the tool across their yard.

These push models work best in smaller yards.

Electric Scarifier Plus

Check Best Price on Amazon

The next step up from push models are the self-propelled units

These models still require users to hold handles but the machine pushes itself.

These models are heavier which means that they can dig into the ground deeper, thus making them more suited for large jobs. These units are seen more in commercial applications than home use.

A gasoline or electric lawn scarifier will run quite a bit more in cost than a human-powered model.

For the biggest lawn scarifying jobs, a tractor-pulled scarifier is the best choice.

These heavy-duty attachments connect to a garden tractor hitch. Users simply drive their tractor over the thatch-ridden areas as the unit follows behind.

How to Scarify a Lawn

Always use a lawn scarifier with vertical knife blades, as they dig into the ground and remove thatch most effectively. To start, set your blades to a shallow depth and make a pass over your lawn.

After the first pass, change the angle of your cut and increase the blade depth slightly.

It is best to spread out your cuts, gradually increasing the depth as you go.

This is more effective and healthy for your lawn than running one deep cut through it.

If done incorrectly, you could tear up your whole lawn and kill a good portion of it. Your goal is to leave at least 75 percent of your lawn intact after the job.

The debris you collect can be used in a compost tumbler and put back in your lawn after decomposition.

Related Posts:

  • Getting the job done often required the use of several specialized tools. Garden rollers are used to flatten out uneven areas of a lawn.
  • A rolling lawn aerator is used to make small holes in the ground so water and oxygen can reach the roots.

Aerator Rental Considerations

By 1 Comment

Aerator RentalLawns which are ridden with a thick layer of thatch and compacted soil need aeration on the double.

The problem is that most people don’t keep an aerator on hand for the rare instance in which they are needed.

Many times, a good option can be to rent an aerator from a local tool supply stores.

Aerator Rental Types

There are two types of aerators for lawns- spiked and core. Spiked aerators are considered to be less effective since they actually compress the ground as they are pushed down.

They consist of a series of solid metal spikes which displace the ground in order to create a hole. While they can be effective, core aerators are far more ideal. A core aerator uses metal tubes to remove a soil plug from the ground.

After each pass, the plugs are deposited onto the ground where they can become food for the lawn. With no ground compaction, excellent water and nutrient penetration can occur.

Over time, the soil will expand and re-fill all of the holes, becoming less compacted in the process.

Manual Vs. Gasoline

Renting a small hand aerator is not cost effective since they only cost about $30 each. When you rent an aerator, it is expected that you desire a large and powerful machine which can cover a lot of ground.

Lawn aerator rental shops have powerful gasoline aerators available for just this purpose. These units can be a couple hundred pounds each, requiring a truck bed or trailer to transport home.

Many of these units are self-propelled, meaning that the engine turns the wheels for you. All the user must do is control the throttle and steer.

For large lawns, a gasoline aerator is a must.

Using a Gasoline Aerator

Aerator rentals are easy to operate in a few simple steps. Begin by starting the engine and immediately adjusting the traveling speed to a level which is comfortable for you.

Be sure to push down on the handlebars in order to lift the working end off the ground until you are ready to start.

All aerators like this have a depth knob which determines how deep the metal tines dig into the ground.

Adjust this knob now.

Lower the handlebars to the ground and start walking, adjusting the speed as necessary. To turn, simply lower the handlebars once more, turn, and lower again.

The Importance of Aeration

A core aerator rental can help you to loosen up compacted soil and remove thatch, both of which act as a barrier which prevents moisture and nutrition from reaching the lawn’s root system.

Lawns which are frequently hard and dry could be in need of lawn aeration. The best time to aerate is either before seeding and/or when the soil is moist. Moist soil will ensure deeper penetration.

 

Revitalizing Soil With A Rolling Lawn Aerator

By 2 Comments

Rolling Lawn Aerators Are Underrated

A rolling lawn aerator is one of those lawn tools that everyone needs but not everyone owns.

Revitalizing Soil With A Rolling Lawn Aerator

Even experienced lawn owners can become perplexed when their lawn starts turning brown.

Regular watering, trimming and even fertilizing are not fool-proof, as a lawn can require more than just the basic maintenance to keep in good health.

Aerators make many small holes in a lawn which allow water and nutrients to travel directly to the roots.

Over time, lawn soil can become compacted which prevents enough water from seeping into the ground. This usually results in a dry, nutrient deficient lawn that will turn brown no matter what you do.

Regular aeration can be done using a roller with spikes known as a rolling aerator.

These devices are easy to use and will quickly become one of your favorite tools to use.

How Lawn Aerators Work

These tools consist of a long handle with a rolling cylinder on one end. The roller has a series of metal spikes which press into the ground as the roller is pushed along.

The weight of the tool combined with the force of the user makes small holes in the ground. Water and nutrients can seep into these holes, keeping the ground wet, infusing it with oxygen and allowing nutrients to reach the roots.

The weight of the roller plays a large part in how deep these holes will be. An average rolling aerator may not be heavy enough to penetrate the surface.

Maintaining an existing healthy lawn is the best way to ensure long term yard health.

Waiting until the soil has dried out will only make this job harder.

With these tools, a larger diameter cylinder makes for smoother operation. For large yards, a wide cylinder is desired to reduce the number of passes the user has to make to cover the whole yard.

Compaction of the soil can occur naturally over time and is especially prevalent in areas of high foot traffic.

Using an Aeration Tool

The Rolling Lawn Aerator 18-inch Garden Yard Rotary Push Tine Heavy Duty Spike Soil Aeration

Check Best Price on Amazon

To breathe life into your lawn, an aerator should be used regularly. Professionals recommend using it in the fall and spring, but aerating a lawn is always beneficial no matter when you do it.

It is important to make sure that the ground is moist or at least damp before starting the job.

If the soil is completely dry, water it thoroughly the day before you begin. You may travel over the same sections several times if desired, but limit yourself if the ground starts to become significantly torn up.

A rolling lawn aerator can be used to improve the growth rates of new lawns, too.

If seed is applied right after aerating, seeds will be able to take root deeper than with bare soil alone.

Difference Between Core and Spike Aeration

18in Rolling Lawn Aerator Gardening Tool for Grass

Check Best Price on Amazon

Spiked aerators use a solid hardened steel spike to penetrate the ground. This actually causes the ground to become further compacted.

As the spike is driven into the ground, it pushed soil aside, compacting it in the process. Core aerators consist of a hollow tube which removes a solid core or dirt several inches long.

No compaction occurs with core aeration, which some claim makes it superior to its spiked cousin.

Fresh cores pop out of the tubes after each press, landing onto the ground. The beneficial microbes in the soil can now work their way back down into the ground, passing the roots as they go.

The holes made by aerating the soil. will collect pockets of water and nutrients, whereupon they will seep into the ground.

Related Posts:

  • Before you aerate, go over your lawn with a lawn rake to remove any excessive debris.
  • If there are any uneven areas of soil after performing aeration, you can use garden rollers to flatten them out. A garden roller can help flatten bumps of all types, including those caused by gophers.
  • Have a lot of outdoor plants in pots? Try using outdoor plant stands to clear some ground space.

Most Common Lawn Weeds

By Leave a Comment

The term “weed” is a subjective one. Generally it is a plant “not wanted” where it is. Lots of people will be planting these “weeds” listed below, whereas lots will be finding ways to eradicate them.

  • Crabgrass

Able to blend in with other types of grass, crabgrass begins appearing in the lawn at the start of spring. If the grass has begun to sprout, some post emergence weed killer should get rid of these lawn weeds.

  • Clover

Easily identifiable by its round leaves, clover is known as a “broadleaf perennial” and can grow without bound. The use of post emergence weed killer is the best option. Do one application of weed killer in the spring and another in the fall for best results. Once under control it is much easier to prevent it in the future.

  • Dandelion

Dandelions may have interesting yellow flowers, but those flowers contain seeds which are sure to spread, Since dandelions have deep roots, a weed removal tool must be used to prevent the weed from returning. Weed killers which target broadleaf lawn weeds can also be used.

  • Annual Bluegrass

When water drains poorly and creates soggy areas of pooled water, annual bluegrass is not far behind. The use of pre emergent killers will prevent annual bluegrass from striking. Perennial bluegrass required pulling, unfortunately.

  • Henbit

A winter annual, Henbit is known for producing purple flowers. Use selective herbicide in the spring after it emerges.

  • Chickweed

Easily pulled out by hand, Chickweed can be eliminated using broadleaf herbicide before emergence. Use it before the seeds sprout in the spring.

  • Ground Ivy

Prone to growing in the shade, ground ivy can quickly take over a lawn. They also become a burden for other yard owners since the seeds spread around. Apply selective herbicide in the fall. Additional treatments will be necessary since these lawn weeds are so resilient.

  • Wild Violet

Wild Violet grows in the shade and likes thin soil. Use a weed puller or shovel to remove it. Broadleaf killer will also work.

  • Oxalis

A spring/fall weed, Oxalis enjoys cool weather. It’s a tough weed, and often requires a combination of herbicide, proper watering and fertilizer to remove.

Types of Lawn Fertilizer

By Leave a Comment

Fertilizer is designed to replace nutrients in the ground which are lost as the grass “eats” them up.

Fertilizer is designed to replace nutrients in the ground which are lost as the grass “eats” them up.

By selecting the right fertilizer and applying in the right number and rate, your lawn will be healthier in the long run.

Looking to buy fertilizer now?  Don’t miss our review of the  best fertilizers  for your needs.

Type of Fertilizer

Picking a good brand like Scotts Fertilizer is a bonus but is not always necessary. Simply look for fertilizers which contain time-released nitrogen. For lawns which are maintained, a controlled release of nutrients works well because the grass is well fed and does not need immediate treatment. In general, one pound of nitrogen should be applied to every 100 square feet of lawn. Since nitrogen is mixed in with other ingredients, simply weighing out one pound or fertilizer will result in less nitrogen being applied than needed. Use the bag’s content box to determine exactly how much to apply.

Nitrogen is the primary ingredient in fertilizers and is the most important. You can tell how much nitrogen is in the bag by looking at the ratio on the front of the bag. You will see three numbers separated by dashes (example 29-0-5). The first number refers to the amount of nitrogen in the mix. This is an N-P-K rating, or Nitrogen-Potassium-Phosphorous, signifying the three primary ingredients in lawn fertilizers.

Different Types of Nitrogen

There are actually two different kinds of nitrogen used in lawn fertilizer – fast release and slow release.

Slow-release nitrogen is designed to dissolve over time, seeping into the ground over a period of months to provide a constant stream of new nutrients.

Fast-release nitrogen is designed to provide a quick burst of growth in an attempt to repair damaged lawns or to quick start the lawn for the spring season. Good fertilizers have a bit of both kinds of nitrogen in their mix.

All lawn fertilizer bags have a “guaranteed analysis” label which specifies exactly what its contents are.

Can Fertilizer Burn My Lawn?

A misconception is that the nitrogen in fertilizer can burn a lawn. If applied in the correct quantity, fertilizer has a low likelihood or burning a lawn, especially if it is of a controlled-release variety. However, many of the multi-purpose balanced fertilizers can result in burning because they contain high levels of fast-release nitrogen. It is the fast-release varieties that end up burning a lawn in most cases.

Balanced Fertilizers

A balanced fertilizer has a ratio of 1-1-1, indicating equal parts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. While available to consumers, they are not recommended for continual use. The reason for this is that when used, an excessive amount of phosphorous is applied. Too much phosphorous can result in weed and water runoff issues.

What is Organic Fertilizer?

In many ways, organic fertilizer is no different than synthetic fertilizer, at least to your grass. Although different in initial composition, both fertilizers are converted into nitrogen which the grass can use. The lawn doesn’t care where the nitrogen came from, so long as it’s there. A benefit to using organic fertilizer is that it has a much lower chance of burning the lawn. Unlike many synthetic fertilizers, organic ones contain low level of salt. However, there are many good synthetics out there which are just as gentle.

One issue with organics is that you can expect to apply a lot more fertilizer per 1000 square feet. Because the nitrogen content is lower, more fertilizer is needed to achieve the same effect. Organic materials like compost work better as soil conditioners rather than fertilizers. Cold-weather application will be less effective when using organic fertilizer because it relies on microbial action to convert it into nitrogen.

Dry / Liquid Fertilizer

Both dry and liquid fertilizers ultimately achieve the same effect- feeding the lawn. So, regardless of the form in which they are applied, lawn owners need to make sure that the N-P-K content is suitable for their yard. Both controlled and fast release fertilizers are available in dry and liquid form, so choosing one is a matter of personal preference.