Tips for Keeping a Level Lawn

Lawn Care MaintenanceDo you have that beautiful green, perfectly trimmed lawn but need a little help with turning it into a level lawn? Blooms Landcare has the quick, do-it-yourself fix for you!

FIND AND SLICE YOUR BUMPS AND HOLLOWS

First, you will have to get eye level with your lawn and look for those bumps or rises and depressions or hollows. You can mark their centers with stakes or wire flags if you have a few. Next, using a half-moon cutter or similar tool, cut symmetrical crosses into each bump or hollow with the center of the cross at the highest point of the bump and lowest point of a hollow. Extend the slices past the edges of the bump or hollow, but make sure to keep your cross as a symmetrical “+” shape.

PEELING THE TURF

Next, using a spade shovel or turfing iron, slice horizontally underneath your new corners of turf. Keep roughly 1.5 to 2 inches of soil beneath the grass as you slice towards the perimeter of your bump or hollow. After you have “filleted” the problem spot, carefully peel back the four corners of the turf. This is where cutting the cross to extend past the edges of the bump or hollow become important for a level lawn.

FILLING HOLLOWS

If you are only dealing with bumps, then skip this step and proceed to step 4. For hollows, disrupt the soil that was underneath the turf to a depth of 2 inches. Remove any rocks or clods and trample down once you are finished, otherwise the turf will sink again and you will not have a level lawn. Select a quality topsoil and fill the hollow to the surrounding edges. Using a rake, work over the soil to get rid of clumps to create a nice tilth.

SUTURING THE SLICE

Remove any excess soil you have and make sure that the soil is even with the surrounding edges. Add a pre-seeder fertilizer to the soil to help continued growth. Now, carefully replace the peeled back corners to the center of the bump or hollow. Using the back of your rake, gently pat down your grass and ensure that your bump or hollow is now even with the surrounding lawn. Add in a little bit more of your topsoil to the slices you made to prevent the edges from drying out, and a few sprinkled lawn seeds will make the crosses disappear even faster.

If you have any questions or need supplies for your level lawn, don’t hesitate to call Bloom’s Landcare at [phone]!

Top Tips for Keeping Your Grass Green

Grass Green TipsA lawn is a home’s first impression, and sometimes you need tips for keeping your grass green. You want your lawn to be as lush and green as possible. Luckily, keeping grass healthy isn’t has hard as you think. Just follow these top tips for keeping your grass green, and you will be the envy of all your neighbors.

Follow the One-Third Rule

One of the top tips for keeping your grass green is to never cut more than 1/3 of the blade of grass when giving your yard a trim. Going past the 1/3 can stress your grass, leading to burn out and brown patches. To ensure you cut it at the proper length, check the height of your lawn mower and adjust it accordingly.

Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp

You wouldn’t cut your hair with dull blades, so why cut your grass with them? Cutting your grass with sharp mower blades not only makes your yard look better, but also helps the health of the grass itself. Choose a day at the beginning of the summer when you remind yourself to sharpen your mower blades.

Deep Watering

Don’t be afraid to water longer, not more frequently. Deep watering is the key to properly hydrating those roots. If you notice your grass is a bit dry, try to water longer every few days than just a bit everyday.

Treat Your Lawn With Care

If you notice brown patches and it is not related to hydration, you may have a fungus. Fungus is a serious problem that needs to be addressed quickly, as it has the potential to kill your grass quickly. Contact your lawn professional for assistance on properly identifying the fungus and how to treat it.

If you would like more tips for keeping your grass green, contact Blooms Landcare today at [phone]. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.

Get Your Garden Ready for Spring

Garden Ready For SpringAlthough it may not seem like it with all the recent snow and ice, spring is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to start prepping your garden for spring. There are some simple steps that you can take to plan for next season even before the warm weather starts.

Clean Up

Winter may have caused a lot of leaves, sticks, and other debris to find its way into your garden. Clear the brush away from plants and pull any weeds that may have accumulated. Leaving brush can attract unwanted pests that could harm your plants. If you notice a large amount of pests around your garden, you may need to take measures to exterminate them prior to moving forward in sprucing up your garden.

Check Your Soil

Gardening can be dirty work. However freshly planted seedling roots need well-aerated lightly moist soil to survive. Make sure to shovel and turn over your soil multiple times to ensure the soil will give ample room for root growth. Check the moisture in your soil by breaking it apart. If it breaks apart easily when dropped from a 2ft height then it is perfect for gardening. If it stays in a single wet clump, it may be too moist and you need to wait a bit for it to dry out.

Fertilize

You may need to fertilize your soil to put back in nutrients that were lost over the last year. This is a complex process that involves testing your soil’s pH level and making correct adjustments. If you are unsure how to perform this process, call a professional landscaping company. They would have expertise in properly determining your garden’s specific fertilizing needs.

If you need help in getting your garden ready for the spring season, call Blooms Landcare at [phone] and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff. We would be happy to assist you. 

 

How To Get Your Garden Ready For Spring

Garden Ready For SpringAs springtime approaches, many are itching to do some cleaning and maintenance around their yard. With the traditional sprucing up, there are a few additional steps you will want to take to get your garden up to par. Here are a few ways in which you can prepare your garden for springtime.

Initial Inspection

Go around your garden and inspect closely for weeds, pests, debris, and any broken or rotten fencing that may have cropped up other the course of the winter. Its important to know what you need to do so you can ensure you have the right tools to complete the job. Using a till, you can upturn the soil which will not only get rid of those pesky weeds, but also disturb any bugs or slugs that have been lurking around your plants. Make a list of the things that need to be done and what supplies you will need.

Clean, Clean, Clean

Clear away leaves, weeds, sticks, or any other debris that has accumulated around your plants. Often after clearing up your garden, things will start to look much better. This will also give you an indication on where you can potentially plant new species if you choose.

Exterminate Pests

If you find yourself with some unwelcome creepy crawlies that are not plant-friendly, you have a few options. You can buy pesticide at your local hardware store, or you can pursue natural means. Placing copper rings around the bottom of your plants deter slugs and snails from crawling up. You can also pour coffee grounds into your garden which will drive away plant-eating pests as well as giving your garden a nice boost of nitrogen.

After you have completed those steps you are that much closer to enjoying your spring garden. If you need help getting your garden back into shape, contact Blooms Landcare at [phone] to speak with one of our experienced contractors today.

4 Ways to Get the Best Lawn Care Service Pricing

Best Lawn Care Service PricingYou love the look of a well-manicured lawn, but don’t want to break the bank. There are a few simple things you can do to ensure you get the best lawn care service pricing.

Ask Friends and Family

Most people have at least one positive lawn care service experience. Your friends and family can be a valuable resource to find a lawn care service. If a lawn care professional has a good reputation and gets repeatedly new customers by referrals, they do not have to spend as much on marketing. Often these companies will pass those savings onto the customer.

Research Online

The Internet is a great resource to finding lawn care service in your area. It is important to remember to take some reviews with a grain of salt. People are much more likely to write a bad review, than a good one. But if you see a pattern of multiple bad reviews, then it may raise some red flags.

Be Realistic

While looking for the best price, it is important to realize that there are a few variables that go into lawn care service pricing. This will include the size of your yard, and the amount of maintenance certain plants may need. You also don’t want to sacrifice quality in the name of frugality. Try to consider the quality of the landscape work in your calculation of what you are willing to pay monthly.

Make Some Calls

Compile a list of some lawn care service providers that caught your eye and inquire about pricing. They may want to come out and look at your yard to give you a better quote if your lawn is more complicated. Compare prices and pick the service provider that you think would provide quality service at an affordable rate.

We would love to speak with you regarding your lawn care. Contact Blooms Landcare at [phone] for a consultation and estimate today.

5 Handy Tips to Use When Selecting Landscape Maintenance Companies

Landscape Maintenance CompaniesRegardless of the season, as a Dallas and Fort Worth homeowner you have an obligation to do everything possible to improve the value and appearance of your property. At Blooms Landcare, we recommend that you follow these five tips when choosing between landscape maintenance companies.

1. References and Reputation

 The amount of time that a company has been in business in your community says a lot about them. Longevity is a testament to a company’s ability to consistently meet customer expectations and the deliver results. Always consider the length of time any company has been around before hiring them.

2. Affordability

Do not go into debt just to have the most attractive lawn on the block. We highly recommend that you get quotes and estimates from all of the landscape maintenance companies you are considering. Compare all quotes and services to ensure that you hire a company that is affordable and convenient for you.

3. Vision

Any landscaping company that you are considering needs to be able to suggest and create or design any ideas that you have for your property. Look at their past work and ask them to design something that will give you a better idea of how capable they are for the job.

4. References

Never hire any company without talking to references. References can provide you with information that a landscaping company may not be willing to disclose themselves. References are also a good way to find out how professional, timely, and courteous the contractors are, allowing you to have a better idea of how your particular experience will be.

5. Range of Services

Not all Dallas and Fort Worth landscape maintenance companies are created equal. Choose a company that offers a wide range of services, that way your property can benefit from the care that comes from using a familiar company over an extended period of time.

Whether you are in need of lawn maintenance or want to transform your lawn’s appearance, our professionals can assess your property and design it any way that you like. The health and appearance of your lawn is determined by the quality of care it receives. Give Blooms Landcare a call today at [phone] for a consultation and estimate.

Summer Lawn Care and Protection From Extreme Heat

 

Summer Lawn CareTexas summers can be brutal. At Blooms Landcare we want to help keep your grass green in even the most extreme conditions. When the temperature starts to rise, these simple summer lawn care tips will help protect your yard against heat and drought.

Deep Watering Less Often Is Best

Watering less frequently will help your lawn become more resilient. Once or twice a week should be enough to sustain your yard. The roots will grow deeper in order to reach water during dry spells.

A good rule of thumb is to provide about an inch of water per week. Remember to water during the coolest times of the day, such as very early in the morning. This will avoid losing too much moisture to evaporation.

Feed Your Lawn Regularly

Fertilizing your lawn regularly will help it to stay healthy and make it more resistant to extreme conditions. The grass will grow in thick, crowding out weeds and keeping the soil cool below it. The cooler soil will retain moisture better, which in turn helps the grass when water is scarce. Remember that within a few weeks of applying fertilizer, the nutrients in the soil start to become depleted. By re-applying fertilizer on a regular schedule, the lawn will have a constant supply of vital nutrients.

Cut Grass High

Another great tip for summer lawn care is to cut grass high. As grass blades grow taller, the roots naturally grow deeper. By setting the mower blade to the highest setting, the yard will look tidy and the extra height will promote root growth. The grass will be less thirsty as a result.

Consider Drought-Tolerant Grasses When Re-Seeding

For anybody looking to re-seed their lawn, it is a good idea to consider what type of grass is best. There are a number of drought-tolerant seed varieties available. We would be happy to help you select the one that is right for your yard.

Do not hesitate to call us at [phone] for any of your summer lawn care needs. At Blooms Landcare we pride ourselves on providing the best lawn care in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Plant Protection During Stormy Weather

Plant ProtectionAt Blooms Landcare we are your best resource for Dallas and Fort Worth lawn care. When it comes to plant protection during stormy weather, there are a few precautionary steps we recommend taking to avoid losing any greenery to harsh cold, wind, or rain.

Remove Potted Plants to an Indoor Location

Potted plants are particularly susceptible to extreme drops in temperature because they have little soil insulating their roots. Whenever possible, carry containers to an indoor location. This will provide maximum protection against anything a storm might bring. For a potted tree or shrub that is too heavy to move, it will be important to cover it in the same manner as for in-ground plants. 

Cover Foliage to Protect It From the Elements

For small plants, the simplest plant protection method involves covering them with small containers. There are a variety of household items that work well for this purpose.  For example, you can use overturned:

  • Planter pots
  • Laundry baskets
  • Large food containers, or
  • Buckets

The containers act as a physical barrier, protecting the plant from harsh conditions.  For larger plants and young trees, a strong fabric wrap made of burlap and twine can serve the same purpose. Drape fabric over each plant and then tie it into place with the twine.

Install Stakes to Keep Young Trees Upright

Install several stakes around young trees to provide extra support during heavy winds and rain. A good rule of thumb is to drive four two- to three- foot stakes about 20 inches into the ground with the tops slanted away from the tree that is being anchored. Twine works well for tying the stakes to the trunk, but the loops should be loose enough to bend a couple of inches in each direction when strong winds blow.

Do not hesitate to call us at [phone] if we can be of any further assistance. At Blooms Landcare we are always here for any of your plant protection needs.

The Best Texas Sod for Your Lawn, Part 2

 

Best Sod for Texas LawnsCreating the ideal yard requires a planning and preparation. In the first part of our series on Texas sod, we listed some of the most popular and successful varieties of grass that are planted in the state. At Blooms Landcare, we would like to provide a few more options, as well as some tips to keep your Dallas and Fort Worth lawn green throughout the year.

Zoyosia

This variety of Texas sod is similar to St. Augustine in its drought tolerance, but is slightly less shade tolerant. Zoyosia is a fine-bladed grass that produces a soft carpet, which is ideal for lawns. There are several zoyosia varieties that do well in Texas, including:

  • El Toro
  • Emerald
  • Jamur
  • Meyer

One of the downfalls of planting zoyosia is that it is slow-growing and is not available as seed, which can make it difficult to fill in bare spots.

Tall Fescue

This grass is a good option for shady lawns, as it does not stand up to heat as well as some of the other varieties. It does require more water in order to keep it alive during the summer, but can provide ample coverage in the cooler parts of the state.

Keeping Your Sod Alive

Once you have decided on the type of sod you like, you need to take good care of it to ensure that it thrives in your yard. Follow these tips for a healthy lawn all year long:

  • Water frequently at first, then taper off as your sod becomes established.
  • Fertilize three weeks after planting, but no more than three times during the growing season.
  • Keep the lawn mowed on a regular basis.

When it comes to Texas sod, the Blooms Landcare team can help you determine the ideal choice for your yard. Call us today at [phone] for more information.

Summer Water Lawn Tips for Texans: How Often Should You Water? 

Summer Water LawnHaving a lush lawn is a point of pride for many Texans, and unfortunately, that means overwatering is a mistake many people make. Excessive watering can drive up bills and have adverse effects on grass and plants, since more watering encourages shallower roots, making the grass less hardy during winter. Of course, watering too little can have harmful effects, too. At Blooms Landcare, we encourage homeowners to keep the following summer water lawn and garden tips in mind.

Basic Watering Guidelines

We generally recommend the following guidelines as a starting point for your watering schedule:

  • If you use spray zone sprinklers or bed sprinklers, water 3 to 4 times per week for 15 to 20 minutes during summer.
  • For rotary zone and irrigation drip sprinklers, double or even triple the watering time.
  • Water when temperatures are cool to minimize evaporation; before sunrise is optimal.
  • Make sure moisture penetrates below the soil surface; ideally, dampness should extend 6 inches deep.
  • One inch of water per week is reasonable for most lawns.

Of course, with soil type and plants varying between lawns, you must monitor how your yard responds to your summer water lawn schedule. If your grass turns brown and parched, or if your yard is excessively wet and supports mold growth, adjust your watering accordingly.

Additional Considerations

A few other factors may affect your watering needs. If you have planted new sod, you will need to keep it moist for the first 10 days and water it daily for two weeks. As little as 24 to 48 hours without watering can damage or kill new sod. Your summer water lawn schedule may also be affected by other factors, such as local watering restrictions dictating when, how long and how much you can water.

If you have questions about making a watering schedule or other aspects of your Dallas and Fort Worth lawn care, please contact Blooms Landcare online today at [phone]. Our landscapers can provide advice along with any service needed to keep your irrigation system in top form for the hot summer months.