September 16, 2025 - Comments Off on September Lawn Recovery: Repairing Summer Damage for a Greener Fall by D Lee - Fall, Fertilizer, Landscape Maintenance, Professional Garden Landscaping
After a long, hot summer, many lawns show signs of stress—thin patches, brown spots, and weeds that seem to pop up overnight. September is the perfect time to revive your turf and set the stage for a lush, healthy lawn that thrives through fall and returns strong next spring. With the right recovery strategies, you can repair summer damage and enjoy a greener, more resilient yard.
1. Aerate Your Lawn to Relieve Compaction
Heavy foot traffic, summer heat, and drought can all lead to compacted soil. Compaction makes it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach grass roots. Core aeration—removing small plugs of soil from the lawn—opens up the ground, allowing roots to breathe and absorb what they need to recover. You can rent an aerator or hire a professional for best results.
2. Overseed Thin or Bare Areas
Overseeding is the process of spreading grass seed over existing turf to fill in thin spots and improve density. September’s cooler temperatures and increased moisture make it ideal for seed germination. Choose a grass variety suited to your region and lawn type for the best results. After aerating, overseed immediately, then lightly rake and water well to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
3. Feed Your Lawn for Recovery
A slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer applied in early fall gives grass the nutrients it needs to bounce back from summer stress and build strong roots for winter. Follow product instructions carefully, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn grass and encourage disease.
4. Address Weeds and Thatch
Weeds often take advantage of weakened lawns. Spot-treat problem areas with a selective herbicide or hand-pull weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients. If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch (more than half an inch), dethatching may be necessary. Thatch can block water and fertilizer from reaching the soil, so removing it allows your lawn to recover more effectively.
5. Water Consistently During Recovery
New seed and recovering grass need consistent moisture to thrive. Water deeply and regularly for the first few weeks after overseeding and fertilizing—usually about 2–3 times per week, depending on weather. Early morning is the best time to water, as it helps prevent disease and maximizes absorption.
6. Maintain Good Lawn Practices
Continue to mow at a higher setting (about 3 inches) and keep mower blades sharp to reduce stress on new and recovering grass. Avoid heavy foot traffic on newly seeded areas until the grass is well established.
Trust the Experts for Lasting Results
September recovery efforts can make a dramatic difference in your lawn’s health and appearance. If you’re not sure where to start or want professional results, DK Landscaping offers comprehensive lawn recovery services—from aeration and overseeding to fertilization and weed control. Let us help you restore your lawn to its full, green potential this fall.
August 4, 2025 - Comments Off on Late Summer Lawn Care: How to Keep Your Grass Green Through the Heat by D Lee - Lawn Care
August brings some of the hottest, driest days of the year, and your lawn feels it. Even the healthiest grass can struggle under the intense sun, high temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall. But with a few strategic adjustments to your lawn care routine, you can maintain a lush, green yard through late summer and set the stage for a strong fall recovery. Here’s how to keep your lawn looking its best as summer peaks.
1. Water Deeply, Not Daily
It’s tempting to give your lawn a quick sprinkle every day, but shallow watering encourages weak roots and leaves grass vulnerable to drought and disease. Instead, water deeply and less frequently—aim for about one inch of water per week, delivered in one or two sessions. Early morning is the best time to water, as it minimizes evaporation and allows the grass to dry before evening, reducing the risk of fungal issues.
If you notice water running off or pooling, slow down the watering session or break it into intervals to allow the soil to absorb moisture. Adjust your schedule based on rainfall, and consider using a rain gauge to track how much water your lawn receives naturally.
2. Raise Your Mower Blade
During the heat of August, set your mower blade higher than usual—about 3 to 3.5 inches is ideal for most grass types. Taller grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture and protecting roots from the sun’s intensity. It also encourages deeper root growth, which is essential for drought resistance.
Always mow with sharp blades to avoid tearing the grass, which can lead to brown tips and increased susceptibility to disease. And remember the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing session.
3. Fertilize Lightly, If at All
While spring and fall are prime times for fertilizing, a light application of slow-release fertilizer in August can help your lawn recover from summer stress. Avoid heavy feeding, as excess fertilizer can burn grass and promote rapid, weak growth. Choose a product formulated for your specific grass type, and follow the label instructions carefully.
4. Control Weeds and Monitor for Pests
Weeds often thrive when lawns are stressed. August is a good time to spot-treat weeds with a targeted herbicide or pull them by hand. Keep an eye out for signs of pests, such as brown patches or chewed blades, and address problems promptly to prevent widespread damage.
5. Plan Ahead for Fall
Late summer is the perfect time to plan for fall overseeding, aeration, or dethatching if your lawn needs it. Mark your calendar and consult a professional if you’re unsure about timing or techniques.
Trust the Pros
Maintaining a green, healthy lawn through August’s heat can be challenging, but the right strategies make all the difference. If you need help with summer lawn care, DK Landscaping’s team offers tailored solutions to keep your yard looking its best—no matter the season.
November 12, 2014 - Comments Off on Raking Leaves – for Aesthetics or Maintenance? by D Lee - Fall
As wonderful as Autumn is, removing the fallen leaves from your lawn in the late fall is not generally regarded as a fun task. It’s time consuming and a bit tedious. You’ll be glad to know the payoff for all your labor goes beyond simply enhancing the curb appeal of your property. Removing fallen leaves is not only vital for the health of your lawn, but the beauty of it as well.
Excessive leaf matter on your lawn going into winter is bad for several reasons. Why you might ask? When your lawn becomes buried in layers of leaves, it becomes smothered and is deprived of water, air and nutrients it needs to survive. Without proper leaf removal your lawn will also become a breeding ground for fungi, disease and insects. Additionally, when leaves shade the grass they prevent it from receiving the sunlight it needs to thrive. While a few scattered leaves on the lawn won’t do much harm, a heavy thick layer will. Leaves left in place over the winter often become compacted and cause extensive damage to your lawn which can lead to increased costs and maintenance in the Spring.
Instead of raking the leaves, wait until they’re good and crunchy (ripe for jumping into), and then mow the leaves into little pieces. Then, you can just leave them! The leaves will serve as mulch and will protect the soil around your trees, shrubs, or garden.
Another option you have is to compost your leaves, but you simply can’t rake up all your leaves into a big pile and expect them to compost themselves. Composting requires regular turning of the leaves as well as the right amount of moisture.
Want to leave the fall clean-up work load for someone else? DK Landscaping Services offers both leaf removal and fall clean-up services. These services help ensure your landscape is clear of debris and fallen leaves are removed, preventing mold and fungus from growing. Give us a call (707) 280-3632.
