Don’t Jump the Gun

The Relationship Between Soil and the Arrival of Spring

Throughout the winter season, strong winds and heavy snow falls can scatter debris all over our lawn and landscape. This can become an enormous eyesore, causing many of us to count down the days until the weather warms enough to get out there and clean the mess.

Even if this advice goes against your baser instincts, “Take a deep breath, and be patient.”

Often when we rush out at the first sign of spring, to do that much needed clean up, we can cause nearly as much harm as we do good. When the soil is beginning to thaw for the beginning of our growing season, the ground will still be wet from melting snow, recent rains, and the sun’s inability to dry the soil through heavy winter clouds.

Did you know:

1. Soil compaction is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to damaged turf. Walking around your lawn when the soil is wet, not only leaves unsightly footprints (and the need to wash your shoes before going back into the house), it also compacts the soil to the point of making it difficult for the turf to take in water and nutrients. This often results in brown patches that eventually become bare spots, when left un-serviced.
2. Once the lawn begins to suffer from compacted soil, it will need to be aerated* to allow the lawn to recover. Aeration is not an instant fix, the lawn will still need time to stretch it’s roots, and work on becoming healthy again.
3. Sometimes aeration is not enough to fix a lawn affected by soil compaction. When the damage is severe enough, those areas will need to be reseeded.

*Not sure how to properly aerate your lawn?  Let RLM remove that worry with our liquid aeration service.  Our 3 in 1 spray on application aerates, dethatches and conditions your lawn and soil.  This guarantees no chance of damage to irrigation systems or underground wiring associated with traditional core aeration.  Our liquid aeration promotes a healthier lawn, adds humates to the soil and stimulates root growth. For best results, 2 applications are recommended.  Call us today at 219-996-3682 or fill out an online form to schedule your March aeration. 

When spring arrives, make sure to give the lawn a few days of warm weather and sunshine, to dry out, before beginning your lawn and landscape projects.

Stay tuned for more helpful information.