What You Need to Know About Lawn Aeration

In order to achieve and maintain a beautiful lawn, A B Pest Control and Insulation truly believes that you should implement basic lawn care practices. These include properly mowing, fertilizing and watering. On top of that, it is also important that nutrients can penetrate the grass and reach the soil beneath it. Aeration can be a crucial step to making sure your lawn is healthy because it allows air and water to penetrate built-up grass or lawn thatch. The best lawn service company at the Lake of the Ozarks has put together some information to help you get your yard in tip-top shape.

What is Aeration?

Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes. These small holes allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. By doing so, it helps the roots grow deeply which then produces a stronger, more substantial lawn. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction. When the soil is densely compacted, it prevents proper circulation of air, water and nutrients within the soil. Excess lawn thatch or heavy organic debris buried under the grass surface can also starve the roots from these necessary elements. Aeration is commonly called “core aeration” in the lawn service industry, and you may have heard of it as soil cultivation.

What are the Benefits?

Aeration can help make your lawn healthier and also reduce the maintenance requirements because of these benefits:

• Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere
• Enhanced soil water uptake
• Improved fertilizer use and uptake
• Reduced water runoff and puddling
• Stronger turfgrass roots
• Reduced soil compaction
• Enhanced heat and drought stress tolerance
• Improved resiliency and cushioning
• Enhanced thatch breakdown

Is Aeration Necessary?

 

Yes! Compact soil prevents grass from establishing a healthy root system and it keeps water and fertilizer from reaching the roots. Walking, playing, and mowing will compact your lawn's soil. Aeration can help relieve this soil compaction, which allows your grass to grow healthier. For most lawns, annual aeration is enough to keep the soil from becoming too compacted. For lawns with heavy use, twice a year would be ideal.  

Lawn Renovation 

Lawn renovation involves restoring a deteriorated turfgrass area. Depending on the condition of the turf, this process may be accomplished without having to establish a new lawn. The first step in lawn renovation is to correct the primary cause of turf deterioration. Things that may contribute to poor turf include:

• Drought
• Excessive shade
• Poor drainage
• Soil compaction
• Inadequate fertility
• Weed or insect infestation
• Thatch buildup
• Improper mowing
• And many others

Most of these problems can be corrected by renovation, proper turfgrass selection, and improved maintenance practices.

Every yard is different and it’s important to have a proper lawn management program that is tailored to your unique yard. A B Pest Control and Insulation has a formula for success for your lawn. The best lawn service company at the Lake of the Ozarks can evaluate your lawn’s needs and put it on a regular maintenance schedule so that it stays healthy throughout the year. If your lawn is in need of some help, visit our website or give us a call today. We would love to get your yard back on track!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+

Controlling Weeds This Summer

Although the extreme heat may be killing off your grass, the weeds are still sticking around. The summer heat can be hard on our lawns. However, weeds are much heartier than grass and can withstand the heat much better than grass can. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, our Lake of the Ozarks lawn care services can help you have a weed free yard this summer. Here are a few tips to help you have the best looking lawn even during the late summer season.

1. Mow At The Right Height

If your grass is still growing and hasn't died off during the heat, it's important to make sure to keep mowing, and to mow at the right height. In the summer, it's best to adjust the mower blades higher to leave the grass taller. Taller grass shades soil, which reduces water evaporation and deeper roots. This can help prevent weeds from germinating. It's important to time your mowing as to not cut too much at a time.

2. Keep Watering

For the healthiest grass, water the lawn deeply and infrequently. Lawns need at least one inch of water per week and more when the heat is severe. It's best to water early in the day to reduce evaporation and fungus growth. If your lawn has gone brown and dormant, don't try to "water it back to life". If it goes dormant in the summer, it should stay that way until fall. Don't worry, it should recover once the weather changes.

3. Leave The Clippings, Clean Up The Clutter

When mowing your lawn, it's best to leave the clippings. This will help fertilize your lawn and keep the grass shaded from the sun. Summer activities can leave toys, water games, lawn chairs and other items on the grass. This could result in damage the grass and also create dangerous obstacles while mowing. As much as we love dogs, they don't help much with making sure our lawns look good. Pick up their waste and dispose of it properly to avoid pests for coming into the yard. If their urination is turning the grass yellow, flush the area with water to dilute the urine in the soil.

Call A B Pest Control & Insulation

If you're tired of the weeds popping up in your yard and rock areas, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. Weeds are often symptoms of a more serious problem, and at A B Pest Control & Insulation, we can develop a turf management program tailored just for your lawn. In addition to controlling the weeds, we can also treat your lawn and outdoor perimeter for pests that invade and damage your yard, plant beds and gardens.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+

Fourth Of July At The Lake Of The Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to celebrate the 4th of July! From fireworks to live music, there is no shortage of fun to be had. If you're going to be in the area for the 4th, A B Pest Control & Insulation has all the details on fireworks happening at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Old Kinderhook Fireworks Fun Fest

Date: Friday, June 30

Time: 5:00 PM; Fireworks begins at dusk
Where: Old Kinderhook in Camdenton
Phone: 573-314-3560

City of Eldon

Date: Saturday, July 1
Time: Parade begins at 10:00 AM; Fireworks begins at dusk

Where: Downtown Eldon & Eldon Model Air Park

Phone: 573-392-2291

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

Bear Bottom Resort

Date: Saturday, July 1 & Tuesday, July 4
Time: 9:45 PM
Where: Land at 123 Bear Botton Drive / Water at the 38MM of Osage Arm
Phone: 573-374-6905

Fireworks at The 5MM Main Channel

Date: Saturday, July 1 (Rain Date July 2)
Time: 9:30 PM
Where: 5MM of Main Channel

Email for details: patrick.obrien@charter.net

Runaway II Resort & Campground

Date: Saturday, July 1
Time: 9:30 PM
Where: Land at Runaway II Resort & Campground in Climax Springs / Water at the 45 MM
Phone: 573-345-4116

Windermere's Freedom Celebration

Date: Sunday, July 2
Time: 5:00 PM; Fireworks 9:00 PM
Where: Windermere Conference Center in Roach
Phone: 573-346-5200

Celebration Cruises Bagnell Dam

Date: Sunday, July 2
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 PM

Where: 1006 Bagnell Dam Blvd. in Lake Ozark
Reservations: 573-480-3212

Captain Ron's Bar & Grill

Date: Monday, July 3
Time: Fireworks begin at dusk
Where: Land at Captain Ron's Bar & Grill in Sunrise Beach / Water at the 34.5 MM
Phone: 573-374-5852

Point Randall Resort

Date: Monday, July 3
Time: 9:15 - 10:00 PM
Where: Land at Point Randall Resort in Lake Ozark for guests / Water at the 2MM
Phone: 573-365-2081

Playin' Hooky Fireworks Cruise

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 PM
Where: Departing from Millstone Marina in Gravois Mills
Price: $25 per person
Reservations: 573-434-2627

The Lodge of Four Seasons

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: Fireworks begins at Dusk
Where: Land at The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark / Water at the 13MM
Phone: 573-365-3000

Tan-Tar-A Resort

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: 8:30 - 9:30 PM
Where: Land at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach for guests / Water at the 26MM
Reservations: 573-348-3131

Tropic Island Cruises

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: 7:30 - 10:00 PM
Where: Board at Tan-Tar-A Resort

Reservations: 573-348-0083

Lake Valley Country Club

Date: Tuesday, July 4
Time: Fireworks begins at dusk.
Where: Lake Valley Country Club in Camdenton
Phone: 573-346-7218

A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to wish you a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend. If you're having company come down for the holiday to your Lakehouse, call A B Pest Control & Insulation. We can help get your home ready for the fun with our pest control and lawn care services at the Lake of the Ozarks. Call 573-964-1100 to schedule your appointment today.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+

Tips For A Healthy Spring Yard

Now that spring is here, it's time to get back into our lawn care routine. It's best to start early in order to have a lawn that is beautiful and healthy in the summer. We spend a lot of time outdoors during the warmer months, so we want to make sure our lawns are healthy enough to withstand not only the heat but also people walking across them. A B Pest Control & Insulation has 6 tips to keep in mind this spring to have a beautiful lawn you can enjoy this summer.

1. Mow Regularly

It's best to keep your lawn between 3 - 4 inches from the ground to help protect from weeds and to provide shade. Start mowing your lawn as soon as your lawn needs it and mow it as often as it takes to keep it between the 3-4 inches, which is usually about once a week. However, it's important not to cut your lawn too short either, as that could be just as damaging as letting it grow too tall.

2. Water In The Early Morning

It's best to water your lawn in the early morning, as that's when it's the coolest. While it's cool in the evenings as well, when the lawn is watered in the evenings, water droplets cling to the blades and can't evaporate, which can cause lawn disease. When water sits in the yard overnight, it's the perfect breeding ground for fungus. In addition to watering in the morning, it's best to water the lawn less, but for longer periods of time to allow the roots to grow deeply. 

3. Fertilizer 

The type of grass you have in your lawn will affect when and how you should fertilize your lawn. If you have cool-season grasses, don't heavily fertilize your lawn in the spring. This will encourage rapid tender growth that will struggle to survive the heat of the summer. If your cool-season lawn is in in bad shape, fertilize lightly in the spring with a slow-releasing fertilizer. Save the heavier feedings for fall when cool-season grasses are at their peak growing season. If you have a warm-season grass, fertilize in the late spring as soon as the lawn gets nice and green and begins to actively grow. This is usually after the last frost in April or May.

4. Use Weed Control

Both cool and warm season kinds of grass can benefit from weed control during the spring months. It's best to use a pre-emergent weed control during the spring to prevent the seeds from germinating. The best way to control weeds is to eliminate them before they start to grow.  Keeping the weeds out of your grass helps it not only look good but it keeps it healthy too. 

5. Aerate

The best time to aerate your lawn depends on the type of grass is in your yard. For warm-season grasses, it's best to aerate in the early to mid-summer. For cool-season grasses, aeration is best saved for the fall, however, it can be repeated in the springtime if the soil is extremely compacted. It's best to wait until the lawn has been mowed two or three times in the season so you know it will recover from the aeration.

6. Overeseeding

In the spring, you will need to decide if you want to focus on weed control or lawn seeding. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent grass seed from sprouting as well, so you can't do both. The herbicide usually last up to 12 weeks, which means you'll miss the spring planting season.

If your focus is on filling in bare spots or establishing a new lawn, then follow these steps depending on the type of grass you have. If you have cool-season grasses, they can be planted as soon as the temperature is in the 60s and soil temperatures are in the 50s. Plant as soon as temperatures allow the seedlings a chance to get established before the hot weather hits. Fall is typically the better time to plant cool-season grasses, so use the spring months for patching bare spots and be prepared to keep your lawn well-watered during the summer. Warm-season grasses can be planted when air temperatures are in the 70 and soil temperatures are in the 60s. It's important to make sure the danger of frost has passed. Late spring is the best time to plant warm-season grasses.

If you need help with your lawn care maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, A B Pest Control & Insulation is here for you. We can help you have a healthy and pest free yard. To learn more or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at 573-964-1100.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:

www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+ 

A Well-Fed Lawn is a Healthy Lawn

Every yard is different and having a lawn service at the Lake of the Ozarks set up the proper lawn management program tailored to your yard can make all the difference this season. A B Pest Control and Insulation has a formula for success for your lawn. A weed and feed fertilizer is an essential part of our lawn care program. Depending on the types of grasses that are growing in your yard, how much sun or shade your lawn receives, and many other factors will determine when your lawn needs to be fertilized. A well-fed lawn is healthier, which means it has a better root system to combat heat, drought, mowing, foot traffic and other stresses. Our professional lawn company at the Lake of the Ozarks can build a successful program specifically for your lawn to provide the best results. Here are 2 basic reasons using a weed and feed fertilizer will improve the health of your lawn this season:

It Controls Weeds

A healthy lawn discourages weed growth. A proper weed and feed program will help reduce and control weeds and replace lost nutrients in your lawn. The "weed" portion of the weed and feed fertilization program will attack dandelions and other green leafy weeds. It generally strengthens existing grass while killing off certain weeds. It should improve your lawn's ability to absorb food and water along with adding the necessary nutrients to promote healthy growth. 

It Feeds Your Lawn

Fertilizer helps your lawn stay healthy by promoting new blade and root growth and will aid in recovery from foot traffic and pest damage. The soil supplies some of the nutrients that grass needs, but not enough to be able to provide all of them during the entire growing season. The "feed" portion of the lawn care program is a fertilizer that contains a combination of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous to green up your lawn. Depending on the specific needs of your lawn, the exact blend varies, but it will always contain nitrogen, and most likely include some additional benefits.   

A B Pest Control and Insulation Will Keep Your Lawn Healthy

The most important thing you can do for your lawn is to feed it. While fertilizing it once a year will improve the condition of it, feeding it throughout the season will make it even healthier. A B Pest Control and Insulation can evaluate your lawn's needs and put it on a regular maintenance schedule so that it stays lush and green all season long. We want to be your preferred weed and pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. We offer flexible service schedules to suit your needs and budget. Contact us today at (573) 964-1100 to get started!

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+