Tag: Lawn care

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Gardening & landscaping

How to level a lawn

Knowing how to level a lawn yourself can come in handy if you notice that your lawn is not level and it takes away from your enjoyment of your home, detracts from its beauty and can cause water to pool in places or flow towards your home’s foundation. Levelling a lawn that is already laid is not too difficult for the average homeowner to do if you do a little research. Plus, levelling a lawn can make it much easier to do regular lawn maintenance. Levelling your lawn can help it grow better, look more attractive, and enhance your home’s aesthetics and curb appeal and your property’s overall value.

What causes an uneven lawn?

There are several reasons why your lawn could become uneven, such as: Uneven thawing in spring

  • Drainage issues
  • Depressions in the soil
  • The gradual settling of a new lawn
  • Children and pets playing on the lawn
  • The thatch in your lawn
  • Repeatedly mowing the lawn using the same pattern
  • Not collecting lawn clippings after mowing
  • Chinch bugs
  • Moles and other pests
  • A sprinkler system

How to prepare to level a lawn

The first step to take before beginning to level your lawn is to assess just how bumpy it is. This will determine if you can just step on the bumps to flatten when the ground is damp and soft in spring, use topdressing or a more aggressive method. If the bumps are severe and widespread, you will need to gather some tools. The last step for preparing a lawn to be levelled is to mow it as low as possible.

Source: Marzia Design

Materials and tools

There are a number of tools and material you will need when you are levelling a lawn. A comprehensive list of them includes:

  • Hand rake
  • Landscape rake
  • Leaf rake
  • Levelling rake: Used to break up small clumps of dirt, remove stones and create a smooth, level surface.
  • Push broom
  • Shovel
  • Topsoil
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Lawnmower
  • Topdressing
  • Grass seed
  • Levelling mix (composed of soil, compost and sand). Levelling mix is a good solution when a lawn has a lot of shallow, widespread, uneven areas.
  • Water
  • Sand

How to level a lawn

The best way to level a lawn when fixing widespread shallow indentations is to use a thin layer of topdressing with a levelling mix made of sand, soil and compost and spread it all over the lawn. For small indentations covered with healthy grass, use a shovel to cut and lift the turf patches. Put some soil mix to level the indentation, step on it, water it lightly, compress it and put the grass patch back down. For deeper indentations, use a garden rake to de-thatch the lawn, put some sand, soil and compost in a wheelbarrow and blend them to make a levelling mix. Use the shovel to put scoops of the levelling mix in the low areas. Spread it evenly using a rake to ensure it is a few centimetres thick.

Using a push-broom or a levelling rake, work the levelling mix into the grass thoroughly. If it is done properly, the levelling mix should almost be invisible. Water the grass to help the levelling mix go under the grass and become stable. Monitor the lawn and repeat the process of sprinkling top dressing in the remaining low spots and depressions once the grass has recovered and begun to grow. If your lawn has extremely deep depressions, you can fill them with soil to make the area level, resell the filled areas, and wet them to promote healthy, new grass.

The best way to level a lawn is to do the process in spring while weather conditions are mild. This gives the lawn ample time to recuperate before the summer heat begins to beat down on it. Using fine mason sand or play sand mixed with some topsoil and a bit of compost makes sure the grass is not smothered and killed but drains adequately and gets the nutrients it needs for thick, healthy growth. Avoid over-watering. It can wash the levelling mix away and undo all of the work you have done to make your lawn level. The key is to take your time and do the levelling gradually. This will get rid of the large and small indentations while allowing the grass to grow lush, green and healthy.

Contact local lawn experts

Can sand be used to level a lawn?

Sand can be used to level a lawn, but it must be used carefully and judiciously. It can be used to level low areas or fix areas with thatch build up quickly and easily. The sand can help provide proper drainage, but too much sand can leave the grass dry as the water will flow right through it, and sand does not retain the nutrients grass needs to grow. Some experts recommend using a loamy sand-soil mix made with 70% sand. This mixture is nutrient-rich and creates a good lawn levelling top dressing. Masonry sand is fine enough to easily go through the grass and blend with the topsoil, level the lawn and allow for healthy grass growth.

Source: Northern Beaches Creative Gardens

Getting professionals involved

In most instances, the average homeowner can take the steps necessary to level their lawns themselves. However, in some cases, if you want to make sure your lawn will be levelled and the cause of the unevenness problem properly addressed, you may need to call in a professional. One such instance is when the area of your lawn that is uneven is near where there are water pipes. This could mean that the unevenness is the result of a leaking water pipe, or you may have drainage issues. 

Landscaping and lawn care experts have the tools, training, expertise and experience to let you know if the problem with unevenness in your lawn is caused by damaged water or drainage pipes. However, if this is the case, you will have to call a plumber to fix the damaged pipe first. In that case, levelling a lawn requires more than just lawn maintenance. When levelling a lawn that is already laid and there may be plumbing problems, hire a professional. 

How to hire a landscaper

Licencing and qualifications

Three of the most important things to look for when hiring a landscaper is to make sure they have the proper licencing, qualifications and experience. In Australia, landscape contractors may need up to 6 years of training and take university taught landscaping related courses like horticulture and landscape construction to become certified in the field. Plus, they must gain experience by working with a licenced landscape contractor performing basic landscaping tasks. Landscapers master must lawn care and know-how to safely handle pesticides, fertilizers, planting, landscaping, garden design, and build fences and other non-habitable structures.

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Gardening & landscaping

Sod vs artificial grass: Which is better?

When you are deciding to build a house or any other structure; the most important question that comes to the mind is, what type of grass should I install? There are many kinds of grass that you can use, like sod grass or artificial turf.

To decide which is the best option for you, you should consider whether to go for sod or artificial turf. The qualities of the two must be known and especially the characteristic that makes them different from each other.

Qualities of artificial turf

The artificial turf is not synthetic grass that has a texture that is identical to the natural grass. It is made of man-made or synthetic fibres which are most famously used in sports arenas. It was first seen in a stadium in Huston, Texas.

When installing a lawn you have a choice between artificial or natural turf / Source: Protek Design

1. The height is always the same

As this grass is synthetically made; the height always remains the same. The length of it depends on the demand of the customer. It is the same from the time of making, throughout the installation process and even afterwards. It never changes in height.

2. The grass can be moved easily

Unlike other grass types which can’t be moved from one place to the other;  artificial turf can be lifted or removed easily. The easy removal makes artificial turn ideal for maintenance of either the turf or the ground on which the turf is laid. Then it can be put back on without any hindrances.

3. Colour is consistent

As the artificial grass is not disturbed by natural elements in nature like air, water and sunlight; the polyethylene grass never changes in colour. It remains the same throughout the lifetime. You have the choice of selecting any tints and shades of green, and the manufacturer can make it for you

4. Low maintenance

Artificial turf requires little maintenance and isn’t reliant on water, air or sunlight to grow.  All you need to maintain synthetic grass is sweeping away the debris on it with the help of different kinds of rakes.

Attributes of sod grass

The first choice and most popular real grass option is the sod grass. It is actually a grass but manufactured and then installed on the ground. Sod grass has amazing abilities to grow because it has all the attributes of the typical grass but is enhanced.

1. Appearance is Identical

All of the sod grass that is manufactured is of the same appearance. If you grow the grass by seed, the grass may grow unevenly or not at all through seeds. An advantage of all varieties of sod grass is that they are identical.

2. The texture is the same

The different types of sod that you can purchase have a wide range of textures and colours. They range from full dark green to lighter shades. But the type that you will order will have the same texture and colour of all the bulk order. The density of the grass can be thick to less dense.

3. Appropriate quantity of fertilizers

All types of sod grass need a specific amount of fertilizer. The application of fertilizer is necessary when the soil is to be prepared for the installation. Immediately after the establishment, the sod needs it also. But quarterly or yearly fertilizer is needed for the rest of the sod’s lifetime.

4. Equal Growth Rate

When the sod is mowed; it re-grows at the same rate. It is essential to mow it properly with sharp blades and cutting at the appropriate height. The only reason for the disruption in the height is if the grass has a disease. If you’re not a green thumb, consider hiring a lawn mowing service to get your grass looking cut and clean.

Source: Old School Landscaping

Choosing Between Sod & Artificial Grass

There are other factors that you have to consider when selecting between the artificial turf and sod grass. Both the grasses indeed have some qualities that make you confused. Ultimately, the decision is yours! You should consider basing it on your ability to maintain the grass and your vision for your lawn.

1. Sturdiness over time

The sod grass is sturdier than artificial grass. If one blade of artificial grass is broken or pulls out of the base, it can’t be repaired, and the whole turf has to be replaced. Replacing and repairing sod grass is easier, but the rates can vary.

2. Impact on the environment

A small area of sod grass has the ability to generate a high amount of oxygen. It can also keep the environment cooler as compared to areas where other kinds of grass are seeded. The artificial turf is produced by using human-made materials which need more energy and resources.

How much will you need to budget?

You must think that sod grass needs more money than artificial grass. But that’s not the case; sod grass needs ordinary soil to be installed. The ground for artificial turf has to be made accordingly, which can cost you more than the other.

Contact local gardeners

Which will last longer?

Although both sod and artificial turf will last long is depends on how well you maintain your grass. Without it, neither if the two can survive. Sod grass has the capability to repair itself; therefore, it can last longer than the artificial turf.

Wrap up

Turf and sod both have their pros and cons. Choice of one over the other mostly depends on the purpose of use. The location, along with personal preference, also influences the decision. At specific areas or climates, turf would be better suited than sod and vice versa. Deliberation on the features of both would help make a better and more suitable choice.

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Gardening & landscaping

Lawn guide: Should you repair or replace?

Whether you have natural grass, sod or artificial turf, there may come a time when you need to do some maintenance to whip your lawn into shape again. For example, if your lawn has brown spots or is looking worn, it’s probably time to take action. Here we’ll explore whether you should be replacing or repairing your lawn in order to bring it back to it’s full glory.

The best time to work on your lawn

The best time to repair or replace your lawn is between late autumn and spring. During this season, your lawn is starting to hibernate in preparation for the peak growing season.

If you need to repair your lawn, the best time is between late autumn and spring / Source: Old School Landscaping

Signs your lawn needs to be repaired

Signs that your lawn needs to be repaired include:

  • Bare spots in your lawn
  • Large areas of lawn that don’t look healthy
  • Areas of lawn that are burned
  • There are a lot of weeds in your lawn
  • Areas of the lawn look old or worn
  • Pieces of turf are missing or damaged

The best ways to repair your lawn

There are different maintenance techniques that you can use to revive your lawn. Here are some useful lawn maintenance techniques:

1. Aeration

Weeds thrive in arid, dense soil and plants starve from deprived oxygen and nutrients. Aerating your soil is the best way to achieve rapid repair. It breaks through thatched layers, enables roots to breathe and increases water and nutrient penetration.Aeration makes the soil more able to absorb water, and being doing this regularly you’ll likely reduce the amount of water needed to keep your lawn looking healthy all year round.

To aerate your lawn, use an aerating tool to loosen compacted soil during autumn or early winter. After aerating put fertiliser, sand or compost over the grass to give added nutrients to the soil. Be sure to trim your lawn down before aerating in order to get as deep in the soil and root system as possible.

2. Dethatching

Dethatching is a process where you remove a layer of grass stems, roots, clippings and other debris that have accumulated in your lawn. Although having thatch is important, a build-up of debris can suffocate your lawn, causing it to look worn and dull. Too much of thatch can also prevent water and essential nutrients from seeping into the roots of the grass. An easy way to dethatch your lawn is to go over it thoroughly with a rake to remove the debris.

3. Seeding

Spread new grass seeds over your lawn if you have a lot of brown or burned spots. Spread more seeds than you need to make your lawn look thick and lush.  

Signs your lawn needs to be replaced

If your lawn is in really bad condition, maintenance techniques won’t be enough to save it. Signs you need to completely replace your lawn include:

  • The entire lawn is dead
  • Large areas of the lawn are dead and have not responded to maintenance attempts
  • The turf is damaged or worn
Sometimes a lawn will need to be completely replaced / Source: All Lawns and Garden

How to replace your lawn

To replace your lawn, you first need to remove your existing lawn. Use a hoe to uproot the entire lawn, including the roots, and rake away all the debris. Then spread rich topsoil as a base for your new lawn. After you have done these steps, you can spread new grass seeds or lay new sod. Be sure to give your lawn plenty of water.

If you are planning to lay artificial turf, you should still remove the old lawn and debris, but you don’t need to lay a rich topsoil, since artificial turf is not alive.

Tips for maintaining your lawn

Feed your lawn

Nourishment is the key to maintaining a lawn that looks good. For a healthy looking lawn, ensure that it has adequate fertiliser. Fertilisers should be added in spring to promote good growth in the summer. Fertilisers can be bought at gardening stores, or in the gardening section of hardware department stores. When buying fertiliser, make sure you buy one specifically made for lawns. Lawn fertilisers may be organic, synthetic or a combination of the two.

Prior to applying fertiliser, make sure that your lawn is free of weeds and is well aerated. To simplify your job, there are a number of fertilisers that come with added weedkillers. Apply fertiliser in even coats. Doubling up the fertiliser may burn the grass. Once you have added the fertiliser, remember to water it in.

Remove weeds

Removing weeds is essential to promoting healthy lawn growth. Weeds grow very quickly and easily and can hamper the growth of your lawn if given the chance to grow. Weeds should be pulled out as soon as they come in. There are special tools that you can use to weed while standing.

Contact local gardeners

Ensure adequate water supply

Lawns need to be watered regularly for healthy growth. Lawns are best watered in the morning before the sun comes out. Make it a practice to water your lawn at the roots. This will promote growth at the deeper root level as well.

Learn how to mow

Make sure you mow your lawn the correct way. Never mow it shorter than 7.5 centimetres. Any shorter, and portions of your lawn may actually die off.

Keep your lawn slightly acidic

Plan to periodically — annually is best — test your lawn’s pH with a soil testing kit. You want it be slightly acidic at about 6 or 6.5. Any higher, and your lawn is too alkaline, lower and it’s too acidic. You can fix acidic lawns by spreading dolomite or garden lime. An alkaline lawn can be repaired by spreading sulphate of ammonia over the lawn. With any of these products, make sure to carefully follow the instructions and water them into the lawn well.

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Gardening & landscaping

How to get rid of crabgrass

Lawn and gardening enthusiasts know how crabgrass can creep its way into your tended green space–and how frustrating this can be. Managing it proactively is important to keep your lawn looking its best. This blog post will share some tips on how to remove crabgrass yourself, so you can enjoy a lush, green lawn all year round.

How to identify crabgrass

Crabgrass is a weed that plagues many lawns in Australia | Source: Shutterstock

Crabgrass is a common lawn weed that can quickly spread and take over your healthy grass if left unchecked. Also known as crab weed, it thrives in warm climates and produces seeds prolifically throughout the year. This weed often takes root in areas of bare soil, compacted ground, or where the lawn has been disturbed and often requires more work and professional gardening help.

Crabgrass is a collective term for several species, but the most well-known is Digitaria sanguinalis, which was introduced to Australia in the 19th century.

Early detection is crucial in managing crabgrass effectively. Here’s how to identify this troublesome weed:

  • Colour: A distinctive yellowish-green hue, contrasting with the healthy green of your lawn.
  • Texture: Leaves are coarse and rough to the touch.
  • Leaves: Hairy leaves on the stem.

Why is it important to remove crabgrass?

If you think crabgrass is just an annoying weed with a funny name, you are sorely mistaken. It’s a serious threat to your lawn’s overall well-being as well as your property’s value, by extension. Left unchecked, this invasive weed can quickly take over your lawn, creating a patchy, unappealing sight.

Proper year-round lawn maintenance can help keep crabgrass at bay | Source: Cityscapes Pools and Landscapes

Many property owners are curious to know how to get rid of crabgrass in their lawn because it produces a massive amount of seeds, which also readily germinate and spread. This rapid proliferation allows it to outcompete other grass species and rob them of water, nutrients, and sunlight. This, in turn, weakens your lawn and makes it more susceptible to disease and damage.

In addition, crabgrass also makes a shallow, mat-forming root system that fails to anchor the soil effectively. As a result, it increases the risk of erosion and creates uneven surfaces that can be dangerous for foot traffic. This ‘mat’ also prevents air and water from reaching the soil, further degrading the quality of other desirable plants.

Removal methods: how to get rid of crabgrass

If prevention is no longer an option, here are four tips on how to eliminate crabgrass (in your lawn or otherwise):

1. Proper lawn maintenance

a red lawnmower mowing a lawn
Trimming your lawn keeps it healthier | Source: iStock

Lawn mowing pros recommend mowing your lawn frequently and maintain the recommended lawn grass height. Deep watering once a week is better than light daily watering. If the soil feels moist, you don’t need to water. This will keep your grass healthy and strong, making it harder for crabgrass seeds to gain purchase.

Avoid fertilising in summer, when crabgrass is most likely to sprout; the nitrogen in fertiliser actually encourages growth. Pay close attention to local weather conditions as they play a big role in lawn maintenance.

Cover bare soil around your lawn with mulch to prevent weeds from popping up. And if you have a gardener or landscaper who looks after your lawn, ask them to rinse off their gear before they start working. This will help prevent the spread of crabgrass seeds from other areas.

2. The organic method

In Australia, you can explore effective natural methods on how to get rid of crabgrass to help reclaim your lawn.

First, reseed any bare spots in your lawn as soon as possible. Don’t let those patches sit around! Get them reseeded right away to prevent crabgrass from taking root.

Second, keep your lawn tall. Aim for a grass height of about 7.5 cm. This will shade out crabgrass and make it harder for it to thrive. A professional lawn mower can help you keep the desired lawn grass height.

Lastly, mow your lawn regularly, especially in the summer, to slow down crabgrass growth. 

3. Pre-emergent herbicides

a close photo of crabgrass
Use herbicides to keep crabgrass from sprouting | Source: iStock

Pre-emergent herbicides, which come in granules or liquid form, create a protective layer on the soil surface, stopping crabgrass before it can sprout.

To be effective, you need to apply these herbicides well before the growing season, such as when you fertilise your lawn. After applying a pre-emergent herbicide, water the lawn thoroughly. However, you might need to apply the herbicide a second time, depending on the situation.

Always follow label instructions and use the correct amount for your lawn size to get the best results. If you’ve recently reseeded your lawn, wait at least three months before applying any pre-emergent herbicides.

4. Home remedies

You can try a few home remedies to tackle crabgrass. Sprinkling table salt can help, but be careful not to use too much, as it can damage the soil. You can also pour boiling water directly on it.

A known crabgrass killer (and other unwanted lawn weeds) is a white vinegar and soap solution. Mix four litres of white vinegar with a few drops of soap, then spray it on the crabgrass. This can gradually kill it off.

How do I prevent crabgrass growth in my lawn?

A healthy lawn is the best defence. Below are some practical tips:

  • Proper lawn maintenance is key to creating an environment that’s less inviting to this pesky weed. 
  • Regular mowing at the right height helps keep your lawn thick and strong, making it harder for crabgrass to get a foothold.
  • Deep watering once a week, rather than light daily watering, encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more resilient. 
  • Avoid fertilising in summer—the hot summers in Australia makes crabgrass grow much more quickly, and the nitrogen in typical fertilisers just fuels the infestation.

As a last resort, you can opt for artificial grass. It eliminates the problem entirely by replacing your natural lawn, thus removing the environment where crabgrass thrives. That said, artificial grass can be a significant investment and may not be suitable for everyone.

Say goodbye to a weedy lawn!

From natural remedies to professional advice, we have explored all the ways on how to kill crabgrass and enjoy a lush, green lawn. A lawn without a single crabgrass plant is not only visually appealing, but it’s also healthier and more resilient.

If you’re struggling with how to get rid of crabgrass, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a local gardening and lawn care professional. They can help you develop a tailored plan to keep your lawn looking its best year-round.

FAQs on how to remove crabgrass

What will kill crabgrass but not the lawn?

Pre-emergent herbicides are your best bet for preventing crabgrass before it sprouts. But don’t just get the first weed killer for crabgrass that you find.

For existing crabgrass, selective herbicides, like those containing quinclorac or triclopyr, target crabgrass specifically, leaving your desirable lawn grasses unharmed. Always read the label carefully and follow the instructions for safe and effective use.

Other post-emergent herbicides, such as those containing fenoxaprop p-ethyl and mesotrione, are also formulated to control related species.

Will vinegar kill crabgrass permanently?

Vinegar can help stop crabgrass, but it’s not a permanent solution. This is because it kills the above-ground parts of the weed but won’t necessarily kill the roots. For long-term control, you’ll need to combine vinegar with other methods, like regular mowing and re-seeding bare spots.

Is it better to pull or spray crabgrass?

Pulling crabgrass can be effective for small infestations, but it’s time-consuming and difficult to remove all the roots. For larger infestations, many landscapers and gardening professionals recommend crabgrass herbicides, which are a more efficient solution. However, it’s important to choose a selective herbicide, such as those mentioned above.