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Community Corner

Time To Start Your Lawn Care

For a lush yard, now is the time to tend that patch of green.

Local landscaping experts say the time to begin lawn care is now if you want to have a lush green yard all summer long.

Rich Robinson of in Sewickley and Mike Cyrilla of Cyrilla Landscaping & Supply in Moon offered Patch readers the following steps to be sure the grass isn’t greener on the other side:

  • Inspect the overall condition of the lawn. If the ground is thawed, aerate the lawn the second or third week in March, and clear all debris including leaves and branches.

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  • Chemicals and other natural fertilizers work best when the soil temperature is warmer than 50 degrees. A synthetic fertilizer should be used in March because it is slower to break down in cooler temperatures.

  • Bare patches have to be addressed from the end of March through the end of April. This is when pre-emergent, or weed controller, should be put down to prevent germination.

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  • Heavier rainfall during this time of year cuts back on the need to water. A healthy, green lawn, however, takes work. Soil condition can be tested to help find products that balance the quality. Landscaping companies will test the soil for you. Apply new seed as needed, and fertilize properly.

  • While shrubs can be planted all year long, spring and autumn are the best time due to low heat and high moisture. If bulbs were planted in the fall, they should be sprouting any day. Flowers in containers can be planted anytime after the last frost.

  • If you notice grubs, other lawn-killing insects or disease, special treatment is required, usually by a professional.

  • The most important thing to remember is to not overdo anything. Do not over water, over fertilize, or even over cut the lawn.  Less is more.

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