Our home lawns, like the vast prairies and wooded fields in nature, are also subject to these rules.  At Green World I have spent over 20 years learning and understanding these systems and for me it is very rewarding to see the improvements that we have made in the way that we interact with your lawns. We still stand on the solid platform of a quality fertilization program, controlling pests and managing the soils PH levels. But now we also routinely add soil amendments like compost or gypsum, we perform core aeration as well as fracture aeration, we address the impact of the trees, shrubs and hardscaping on the lawn and soil environment and we look at how the intended use of the turf areas will need to be accommodated.

Lawn Care has evolved along with our understanding of the natural systems that govern it. We love to talk about lawns and our environment so please contact us with questions and to find out how we can give you a beautiful and healthy lawn.

Rick

The Core Aeration process involves running a machine across your lawn. The aerator pulls a “plug” out the soil about 1.5 inches deep and about 3/4 of an inch in diameter. These “cores” are left on the surface of your lawn to dry out. Then the next time you mow they are crushed and the soil is mixed into the thatch layer on the surface, adding micro-organisms to the thatch layer, allowing the thatch layer to decompose.  Aeration also allows air , water and nutrients to more readily reach the root zone by relieving compacted soil and opening up the thatch layer.  It stimulates new growth, improves drainage, provides a better environment for over-seeding and increases the effectiveness of applied fertilizer and control products.  Aeration is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. It is suggested that a lawn be aerated at least every other year, but preferably every year.

So far the weather has been fairly gentle on the lawns, keeping them insulated with a light snow cover.

Here are a few tips to help your lawn come through the winter in tip top shape.

• Give your dogs a path to get off the best part of the lawn to relieve themselves.
• Avoid making huge snow piles. They can cause suffocation and fungus growth like snow mold.
• Use lawn friendly ice melt products on the driveway and walkways.
• Renew your lawn service with the recommended added services.

I do like to hear from you so if you have any questions or comments please call or email me anytime.

Rick Morgan

We may use it but should never waste it.  Last season we experienced above average rainfall and had cooler than normal temperatures.  Green World services an area covering 42 towns and as I was driving around the area I was troubled to see sprinkler systems up and running during rain showers and at the wrong time of the day. These were not systems that we were responsible for and yet as a conscientious irrigation contractor it bothered me.  Other areas of our country have experienced the pain of severe water shortages and developed best management practices for their water usage.  At Green World I don’t believe that we should wait for shortages to implement these strategies.   I have decided to highlight our focus on the  efficient use and conservation of the water that we use with our sprinkler systems. The goal is to deliver beautiful, healthy lawn and shrubs without wasting water.

Here are a few of the steps that we will follow when we visit each of the systems that we service in 2010.

• Inspect the rain sensor for both function and location
• Inspect all sprinklers and drip tubes for wear and leaks
• Check nozzle sizes in sprinklers and reduce where appropriate
• Inspect for leaks at valves and manifolds
• Set watering schedules based on best water management practices
• Make recommendations for upgrading controllers to newer Water Smart models where appropriate

At Green World we have always designed and installed with water efficiency in mind so some of this attention is not new but I am committed this year to be sure that all of the irrigation systems that we are responsible for are performing at their most efficient level. This will also make the most of another valuable resource, your money.

Rick Morgan