Lawn Aerating and Dethatching: What You Need to Know

What is aeration and how does it help?

Eugene Oregon lawn aeration is a process that improves growth of deep roots and reduces the compacting of the soil. This is achieved by using an aerator to make holes in your lawn’s surface which allows the air, water, and nutrients to access the root system directly. This can give you a more beautiful lawn and can also thicken your turf. This can also help if your soil is clay-like. In clay soils, warm weather causes expansion which can compact the other types of soil in your lawn. Aeration allows this soil more room to expand. Along with aeration, dethatching is another excellent lawn service which we will talk more about later.

When and how often should I aerate? What is the cost of aerator rental?

Eugene Oregon lawn aerating is best done in the spring or the fall. If you live in an area that has relatively warm winters, then you could aerate in winter. Summer is only a good time to aerate of your lawn is too wet during the spring months. Most experts agree that aeration should be done once every year if your lawn is in rough shape. Those with hills, pets, or children that are actively playing outside may need to do it twice each year. Usually after a lawn has been well tended for 5 years, you can decrease aeration to once every 3 years. Usually you can rent a good aerator for between $56 and $90 per day.

What is dethatching and how does it help?

Lawn thatching (also called dethatching) involves cutting through the thatch layer of your lawn with a certain type of blade that will help remove debris. Doing this will ensure that water, nutrients, and oxygen can all reach the root system successfully. Thatch is a layer between the grass layer and the soil layer that is usually a brown color. This is the connective layer between grass and soil, and sometimes this layer grows too thick and needs to be cut.

When and how often should you dethatch? What is the cost of dethatcher rental?

The best time to dethatch is between August and October. This also depends on the area where you live. Make sure you do it 30 days or more before mowing season ends. Once a year is often enough for this process; and before you decide to dethatch, make sure your lawn really needs it. Eugene Oregon lawn dethatching can cause some damage to your lawn. The lawn will recover, but it’s not worth causing the damage if your thatch layer is not causing a problem. Do not dethatch unless your thatch layer is greater than ½ inch thick. You can rent a good dethatcher for as little as $71 per day. Weekly rentals start at $155 and multi-week rentals start at about $458 for 4 weeks.  

Conclusion: Aerating vs. Dethatching

Aerating and dethatching (which is also referred to as Eugene Oregon lawn power raking) can be done at the same time, but this will cause greater damage to your lawn. Only do both procedures if your lawn truly needs it. Also, you should remember that the best time to fertilize and water your lawn is after aeration.

Saying Goodbye to Blackberry Bushes

Many people enjoy blackberries. They are the main ingredient in many tasty dishes, such as pies and cobblers. They are also great in jellies or just by themselves. The blackberry plant, however, is not so nice. This plant is a big nuisance if it invades your garden. They grow fast, have prickly thorns covering them, and are very difficult to get rid of. These plants have high endurance, meaning that the traditional tactics of mowing or cutting them will be ineffective. A Eugene Oregon blackberry removal service outfit recommends these tips: The combination of cutting and digging can be effective, but this will only work if the digging is done diligently. When digging, you must take your time and make sure you get all of the roots. Even a small section of root left behind can sprout new plants. Keep digging through the roots and also continuously till the soil. This combination will usually be successful. When cutting, be sure to cut completely. This means that you should cut beneath the stump, making sure to cut each and every small root that connects to the stem. Once done, boil some water and pour it over the spot where you just cut. Repeating this process will eventually result in the bushes rotting. Another alternative is to seek the help of a blackberry bush removal service.

When it comes to blackberry removal, Springfield Oregon and other cities like it are home to landscaping companies which usually offer the removal of these plants as one of their many services. If you are fed up with trying to eliminate the plants yourself, then look for a good landscaping company in your area and inquire about the cost of removal. Sometimes, you can save money by just purchasing pesticides such as Brush-B-Gone or Roundup, but try digging, cutting, and boiling first before considering herbicides. If you do use herbicides, make sure you spray in the heat of the day. This is when plants are at the height of photosynthesis and will absorb the chemicals faster. Also, remember never to spray herbicides on the fruit of the plant.