Expand Your Lawn Care Knowledge

A Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we take the concepts of “environmental responsibility” and “sustainability” to heart, not just as buzzwords but as guiding principles that drive our everyday actions. Many businesses use these terms in their marketing, but we believe in practicing what we preach, even when it means going the extra mile.

One crucial aspect of our commitment to sustainability is protecting our invaluable pollinators, especially the bees. Bees play a remarkable role in our world, being responsible for pollinating nearly 85% of crops directly consumed by humans. It’s a fragile and intricate relationship, with dozens of species of solitary bees having evolved to pollinate specific plants. They coexist in perfect harmony with these plants throughout their lifespans. Without these bees’ unwavering dedication to particular plant species, these plants would cease to reproduce and might even face extinction.

However, it’s no secret that bee populations, especially honeybees, have been declining worldwide. This alarming trend is due to various factors, including diseases, parasites, widespread pesticide use, and the destruction of their natural habitats and food sources. As more bee species dwindle, we stand to lose more than just their existence; we risk the extinction of certain plant species and face severe consequences in the global food chain.

While we understand that the actions of one company may not single-handedly solve this global problem, we firmly believe in taking steps to make a difference right here in our community. One significant change we are implementing throughout our service programs is the use of insecticides specifically developed to minimize their impact on bees and their vital role as pollinators.

In the realm of lawn care, insecticides are commonly used to control annual white grubs. However, our approach to lawn care focuses on integrated pest management and recognizes that a healthy and vigorous lawn is its best defense against various threats. This includes taking proactive steps to prevent grub infestations rather than treating them after they’ve already become a problem.

Preventative Grub Control is an essential part of our lawn care strategy. This treatment is specifically designed to ward off potential grub activity, using insecticides as a preventative measure. We’re committed to using the safest possible forms of insecticides for this purpose. The insecticide we employ has minimal impact on beneficial arthropods and boasts extremely low toxicity to non-target animals, including birds, fish, and, most importantly, bees.

Our grub control treatments come with the lowest application rates, and there are no re-entry restrictions following their application. We understand that our commitment to this responsibility may come at a higher price, but it’s important to recognize why we choose these practices. We believe it’s a small step in the right direction towards safeguarding the environment and supporting these vital pollinators in our ecosystem. Join us in our mission to protect our pollinators, one lawn at a time.

Understanding and Preventing Fungal Lawn Diseases

A lush, green lawn is a source of pride for homeowners. However, even with the best intentions and maintenance routines, fungal diseases can sometimes strike, causing unsightly and potentially damaging issues. At Tompkins Lawn Care, we’re committed to helping you understand, prevent, and address fungal diseases in your lawn.

Prevention through Best Practices

The most effective defense against fungal diseases is a proactive approach rooted in best management practices. By adhering to these key principles, you can significantly reduce the risk of fungal issues:

• Fertilization: Properly and consistently fertilizing your lawn ensures it remains healthy and less susceptible to diseases. Our team specializes in creating customized fertilization plans that promote the well-being of your turfgrass.
• Core Aeration: Annual core aeration is a vital cultural practice that helps prevent fungal diseases. By allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively, we create an environment that discourages disease development.
• Watering: Correct watering is essential. Both overwatering and underwatering can create conditions conducive to fungal growth. Our experts can guide you on the right watering regimen for your lawn.
• Mowing: Avoid mowing your grass too short, as this can stress the lawn and make it more susceptible to diseases. Mow when temperatures are cool and never when the turfgrass shows stress.

Fungicide Applications

While proper lawn management is the primary defense, there may be instances where it’s not enough to thwart a fungal outbreak. In such cases, early intervention is key. We recommend early fungicide applications as a preventative measure in the early spring, before diseases flare up. This proactive approach is more cost-effective and offers higher efficacy compared to curative treatments.

Curative treatments become necessary when the disease is already visible in your lawn as spots, blotches, or rings of dead turfgrass. While curative treatments can help slow the spread, they are less likely to completely eliminate the disease and can be more expensive.

Core Aeration: Your First Line of Defense

Annual core aeration stands out as one of the most effective preventive measures against fungal diseases. It helps improve soil health, reduce thatch buildup, and allow better water and nutrient absorption by your grass. We strongly recommend making core aeration a regular part of your lawn care routine.

Remember that mowing too short and improper watering practices can also contribute to disease vulnerability. Additionally, weather fluctuations can impact disease occurrence, and these variables are sometimes beyond our control. Contact us if you require more information tailored to your specific location.

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we’re dedicated to maintaining the health and beauty of your lawn. Reach out to us for expert guidance and comprehensive solutions to keep fungal diseases at bay.

Managing Moles in Your Lawn

Moles, those elusive and industrious tunnel-dwellers, can be a common headache for homeowners striving for the perfect lawn. At Tompkins Lawn Care, we understand the frustration that moles can cause. In our years of providing lawn care services to Cedar Rapids, Fairfax, Swisher, Solon IA, and the surrounding areas, we’ve encountered our fair share of mole-related challenges.

Unraveling the Mystery of Mole Behavior

Before we dive into mole control methods, it’s essential to understand some critical aspects of mole behavior. The biggest misconception in lawn care is the belief that insecticides can significantly impact mole populations. In reality, these critters primarily feed on earthworms, which are abundant in most healthy lawns. So, instead of insecticides, the best way to manage moles is to trap them.

Moles are most active during the morning when they forage for their favorite meals. Identifying their feeding grounds can help you set up an effective trapping strategy. Mole tunnels zig-zag seemingly at random, connecting habitats to favorite feeding areas. Traps offer the best chance of success when placed in the straightest stretch of the primary run.

Moles tend to be more active in specific areas of your lawn, depending on the season. In the spring, they can be found in southern exposures where the soil is warmer and where worms and insects are active. As the summer heat sets in, moles shift to shaded areas, preferring cool and moist habitats with rich worm populations.

Moles and Lawn Health

You might have noticed that moles seem to favor lawns that are lush and well-kept. This preference can be attributed to the dense and healthy turfgrass that provides excellent insulation for the soil, protecting it from extreme temperature fluctuations. Additionally, such lawns often have thriving earthworm populations due to the absence of soil compaction. Earthworms, which are beneficial to the soil, create the perfect buffet for moles.

The Battle Against Moles: Effective Trapping

The most effective and humane method for controlling moles in your home lawn is trapping. Trapping moles is not a “set it and forget it” operation; it requires your attention. Moles are active in the morning, and they move through areas where food is abundant. To increase your trapping success, identify the feeding grounds and set traps along the primary runs that lead to these areas.

For the best results, place your trap in the straightest section of the main run, ensuring that the mole passes by two to four times daily. Moles are typically wary of foreign objects in their tunnels, so it’s essential to monitor the traps and reset them if necessary. Even if a mole triggers the trap but escapes, you’re on the right track. Moles are susceptible to injury, and they often do not recover from wounds due to their unique blood clotting properties.

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we understand the nuances of managing moles in your lawn. If moles are wreaking havoc in your yard, reach out to us for expert assistance. We have the knowledge, tools, and experience to help you keep your lawn free from these subterranean pests and maintain the beautiful, healthy lawn you deserve. Don’t let moles undermine your lawn care efforts – let us tackle the problem for you.

Nourishing Your Lawn to New Heights

When you gaze upon your lawn, you may notice those occasional bare spots or thin areas that draw your attention. It’s only natural; homeowners have a keen eye for their lawns and a desire to make them flourish. While these intentions are often well-meant, sometimes our attempts to improve our lawns can inadvertently create more problems, incur added expenses, consume our time, and increase the need for chemical treatments. This is where the age-old debate of “seed it or feed it” comes into play.

Remember the Fundamental Principles

The basics of lawn management are rooted in elementary concepts that we learn as children. Think back to planting sunflower seeds in tiny dixie cups – it’s a testament to the wonder of nature. A dry seed, placed in fertile soil with the right amount of water and sunlight, blossoms into life. While seeds are indeed miraculous and pivotal for establishing new lawns, sowing seeds to address specific issues requires thoughtfulness, an understanding of your plant’s life cycle, the growing conditions, and the climate – both past and future.

In the Midwest, the management of turfgrass is heavily influenced by the ever-changing seasons. The foundation lies in soil conditions, but the climate adds its unique variables. Our growing season consists of two primary parts – spring and fall, each separated by two dormant seasons – summer and winter. Summer, while not always inducing dormancy, presents challenges due to poor soil quality in many new home lawns and the use of Kentucky Bluegrass. In contrast, winter’s dormancy can stretch for up to four months, and during this period, lawns face cycles of freeze and thaw, as well as potential damage from snow and ice. This extended period of vulnerability, combined with the effects of snow removal, ice melters, snow piles, and even foot traffic from pets and children, leaves your lawn looking worse for wear.

The Aftermath of Winter Dormancy

As winter’s grip begins to thaw, and spring emerges on the horizon, a sense of renewal fills the air. However, the reality is often less rosy – snow melt reveals matted, brown grass, with bare spots, scrapes, scratches, snow mold, and remnants of critters who found shelter beneath the snow. While most homeowners’ immediate reaction is to rush outside and start seeding, hoping that within 10 to 14 days, all their issues will magically vanish, reality has other plans.

The problem with this approach is that most people simply toss seeds on the surface without considering germination. A significant portion of the seeds will either wash away, get devoured by birds, or simply rot. Some may invest extra effort, properly preparing the soil for seed planting by mixing it with soil, smoothing it out, and even mulching over the seeds for protection. However, even if these seeds germinate, it’s just the first step of a multifaceted process that requires fertilizers and other components to help these seedlings grow into established turfgrass. Unfortunately, one can’t control climate conditions and the growth cycles of competing weeds, which can lead to more problems, often resulting in complete failure.

Spring: Mother Nature’s Time for Renewal

Spring is Mother Nature’s season for renewal, and her primary goal is to grow anything and everything to protect the soil from erosion. Consequently, soil is laden with weed seeds, and exposed, fertile soil will grow weeds in the first half of the season, even under the best conditions. Annual weeds, such as crabgrass and foxtail, typically emerge during this time. These invaders can be especially challenging to manage, and pre-emergent herbicides that target them also prevent the germination of planted grass seeds. As a result, it’s difficult to establish grass seed effectively while dealing with the pressure from these annual weeds.

The Better Way: Feed Instead of Seed

So, what’s the alternative? At Tompkins Lawn Care, we suggest the approach of “feed it” instead of “seed it.” Fertilizing your lawn stimulates growth in existing plants within days, compared to several weeks required for seedlings to grow. Fertilizer can be a more practical and efficient choice for homeowners and professionals. With a well-fertilized, aerated, and well-managed lawn, turfgrass thickens before the threat of crabgrass emerges, reducing the need for pre-emergence herbicides. This approach is more cost-effective and minimizes the environmental impact, requiring fewer chemical inputs.

Fertilization allows for a well-established lawn with deeper roots and more resistance to pests and diseases. While the rapid growth you observe in the spring may lead you to believe that seeding is the key to a lush lawn, the reality is that it’s the “feed” that lays the foundation for a healthy, vibrant, and thriving lawn.

Fertilizer 101: Nourishing Your Lawn

Fertilizers are natural or artificial substances containing essential chemical elements that enhance plant growth and productivity. They improve the natural fertility of soil or replace nutrients depleted by previous crops. These chemical compounds play a pivotal role in plant nutrition, with the primary elements being nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Secondary elements include sulfur, magnesium, and calcium.

Modern Fertilizers: Sources and Components

Modern fertilizers are sourced from various materials. Nitrogen fertilizers, for instance, are derived from synthetic ammonia, which can be in gaseous form or dissolved in water. They can also be converted into salts like ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium phosphate. Additionally, packinghouse waste, treated garbage, sewage, and manure serve as common sources of nitrogen.

Tompkins Lawn Care understands that maintaining top-quality grass requires excellent fertilizers. We invest in high-grade fertilizers, custom blending them to precise specifications, ensuring that they meet the highest quality standards.

Organic vs. Synthetic: Two Faces of Fertilizers

Fertilizers can be categorized into two main groups: organic and synthetic. Organic fertilizers are derived from biosolids, whereas synthetic fertilizers are created using chemical compounds to produce synthetic ammonia, which is later converted into salts.

Organic fertilizers can be seen as more of a soil amendment than a fertilizer due to their lower nitrogen content, about 5% compared to the 25% to 32% found in common synthetic fertilizers. While organic fertilizers provide valuable organic material, they may not supply sufficient nitrogen to stimulate growth, especially in depleted, inorganic soils commonly found in new construction areas.

Synthetic fertilizers offer ample nitrogen but may not benefit the soil immediately. Organic material accumulation in the soil occurs much more slowly when using synthetic fertilizers alone. Aeration and proper cutting techniques, such as mulching grass clippings, are the best ways to enhance organic material in the soil.

Best of Both Worlds: Our Hybrid Approach

Our approach combines the strengths of both organic and synthetic fertilizers. By blending slow-release synthetic ammonia fertilizer with insoluble organic fertilizer, we create a product that minimizes environmental impact while promoting soil health. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds, working together effectively to achieve vibrant and healthy turfgrass.

Weed Control: Keeping Your Lawn Beautiful and Weed-Free

Effective weed control begins with maintaining thick, robust turfgrass. When your lawn loses vigor and weakens, weeds find the perfect opportunity to thrive. Once established, they can rapidly spread, often requiring chemical intervention to address the infestation.

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we take a proactive approach to weed control. Instead of repeatedly applying pesticides to combat returning weeds, we aim to address the root of the issue. We understand that failing turfgrass allows weeds to flourish, so our focus is on improving your lawn’s overall health and vitality.

Our strategy emphasizes cultural practices, including proper fertilization, annual aeration to alleviate compacted soil, and effective mowing techniques. These practices yield superior results without the environmental impact of continuous pesticide use. We believe in sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions to keep your lawn vibrant and weed-free.

Enhance Your Lawn with Core Aeration

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we believe in going beneath the surface to ensure the health and vitality of your lawn. That’s where core aeration comes into play, an essential service that can prevent thatch accumulation and enrich your soil, resulting in a greener, lusher lawn.

What Is Thatch and Why Is It a Problem?

Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that accumulates between the soil and the green vegetation of your lawn. While some thatch is natural and even beneficial, excessive thatch can lead to a host of problems. It impedes water penetration, making it difficult for your lawn to absorb the moisture it needs. Thatch also hinders the effectiveness of fertilizers and pesticides, preventing these essential treatments from reaching the soil and the grassroots. Left unchecked, it can choke your lawn’s growth and overall health.

The Core Aeration Solution

Core aeration is your lawn’s best friend in the fight against thatch accumulation. This process involves extracting small plugs or cores of soil from your lawn, creating openings in the thatch layer. These plugs of soil rest on the surface where soil organisms, such as microbes, can break it down. Over time, this transformation of thatch into beneficial organic material is essentially composting in your lawn. The resulting organic material enriches your soil and provides valuable nutrients that your grass can use for healthy growth.

The Right Timing for Core Aeration

Most lawns can benefit from annual core aeration. If you have a heavily used lawn or your grass is growing in heavy clay or subsoil conditions, you might want to consider aeration twice a year. For golf fairways, sports turf, and municipal properties subjected to extensive use, core aeration may be necessary three to five times per year, depending on the level of traffic.

Plan Ahead for a Seamless Service

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we want to ensure that your core aeration experience is smooth and trouble-free. To do that, it’s crucial that we have all the information we need to service your property effectively. If your lawn area contains underground wires, pipes, or fixtures buried less than 4 inches beneath the surface, please notify us in advance. This way, we can make the necessary arrangements and take note of any potential obstructions.

Core aeration is a standard part of our service program, typically conducted from early September through October and into November. However, additional planning and scheduling may be required if you have an irrigation system or an underground, wired pet containment system. These components must be flagged before we can provide core aeration service to avoid any disruption.

Irrigation systems, in particular, should be flagged before they are winterized. If you plan to have your irrigation system heads flagged in preparation for winterization, remember to order this service in advance. Once the lines are blown out for the season, it will be too late, and we won’t be able to perform the aeration service. To expedite the process, we recommend cutting the grass before flagging your system, giving us additional time to schedule and complete the work before your lawn needs its next trim. When your system is flagged, simply notify us, and we’ll be there promptly, typically before your grass requires cutting again.

With our core aeration service, your lawn will benefit from improved soil quality and a stronger, healthier foundation for lush growth. Contact us today to schedule your core aeration and take your lawn to the next level.

While many homeowners focus on the appearance of their lawns, it’s essential to recognize that the well-being of your turfgrass begins from the ground up, particularly when it comes to watering.

The Importance of Timely Watering

As the summer season approaches, the subsoil starts to dry out, which can spell trouble for your lawn. This is especially crucial for newer lawns, those less than 20 years established, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of dehydration.

Waiting for visible signs of stress in your turfgrass before watering is often too late. Once depressions are left in the grass as you walk across your lawn, and the blades don’t spring back, it’s a clear indication that your lawn is thirsty. If you wait until discoloration occurs, it’s a signal that your lawn is already in distress.

Preventative Measures for a Healthy Lawn

Preventing problems is always more effective and cost-efficient than reacting to them. Maintaining the health and vigor of your lawn throughout the season is paramount. When the subsoil dries out completely, it takes a significant amount of water to revive dormant turfgrass, resulting in overly saturated topsoil. This excess water displaces oxygen, causing the plants to suffocate. Moreover, these conditions often coincide with high summer temperatures, making your lawn more susceptible to fungal diseases. Treating these issues may require expensive fungicide applications and even re-seeding.

Timing and Best Practices

When it comes to watering, timing and methodology matter. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Morning Watering:Watering in the morning allows the turfgrass, leaves, and thatch to dry quickly near the surface. Conversely, irrigating in the evening can lead to prolonged surface wetness, providing the ideal conditions for the rapid spread of fungal diseases.
• Proactive Approach:Be proactive and begin watering before your lawn exhibits signs of stress. This approach is less costly and time-consuming than reacting to issues.
• Deep Watering:Water deeply to saturate the soil, approximately every three days, allowing the topsoil to dry between watering cycles. This promotes deeper root growth, making your grass more resilient to drought.
• Microclimate Consideration:Be mindful of microclimates on your property. South-facing areas may require more water than those on the north side. Radiant and reflective heat from structures can also affect watering needs.
• Hard Surfaces and Turfgrass Ratio:Areas with a higher ratio of hard surfaces (e.g., concrete patios, sidewalks) to lawn will dry out quickly and need extra attention.

Preventative Measures for a Beautiful Lawn

We firmly believe that most lawn problems are preventable without the need for extraordinary effort or chemical treatments. Prevention is the key. By understanding that a modern home lawn is a manipulated environment, and by following best watering practices, you can ensure a healthy and lush lawn that you can be proud of.
At Tompkins Lawn Care, we’re committed to providing you with the expertise and guidance you need to maintain a thriving lawn. Let us help you keep your lawn healthy and resilient through our comprehensive watering services.
Remember, success in lawn care requires a little planning and patience. And, unlike Amazon Prime, Mother Nature operates on her own schedule, rewarding us with the beauty of a well-nurtured lawn.

Mowing Advice for a Perfect Lawn

It might surprise you to learn that one of the most common culprits behind lawn problems in the Midwest isn’t insects, fungal diseases, or unpredictable weather – it’s your trusty lawn mower. Despite being perceived as a benign landscaping activity, mowing can result in significant lawn damage if not approached with the right knowledge and care.

While we do not provide mowing services, we believe that understanding the art of mowing is crucial for homeowners who tackle the task themselves or hire professionals. Mowing can be a valuable tool, but its success depends on various factors.

Early Spring: A Critical Mowing Opportunity

In the early spring, mowing can play a crucial role in your lawn’s recovery after winter dormancy. The key here is to start mowing before it seems like your lawn needs it. Trimming the tips of the grass blades serves as a controlled injury that prompts your lawn to respond by producing new shoots. This new growth helps to thicken the grass, especially when combined with a well-planned fertilization program and core aeration. It’s a holistic approach that can improve your turfgrass and significantly reduce the need for pesticides to combat weeds and diseases.

The One-Third Rule: Don’t Push Your Lawn Too Far

One of the fundamental rules of mowing is the “One-Third Rule.” It’s simple but effective: never remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface in one mowing session. For example, if your grass is maintained at three inches, don’t let it grow beyond four inches between mowings. Going against this rule can cause injury, leading to stress and root system damage.

So, if your lawn has gotten too tall, it’s better to gradually raise the mower, allowing your grass to recover over two or three mowings. This approach minimizes stress and helps maintain a healthy root system.

Timing Is Everything: Be Weather-Wise

Mowing isn’t just about the frequency; it’s also about timing. Avoid mowing when the grass is wet, as it can cause it to lay flat and become thinner. Mowing during extremely hot and dry conditions can lead to injuries that may trigger fungal diseases.

Keep a close eye on climate conditions. The early transition into hot and dry weather can stress your turfgrass, especially Kentucky Bluegrass. Proceed with caution during this critical period, and avoid mowing in the heat of the day to minimize the risk of weeds and fungal diseases that can linger throughout the summer.

The Right Height for Your Lawn

The ideal mowing height for Kentucky Bluegrass is around 3 inches, except during the summer months when it’s beneficial to keep your turfgrass slightly taller, around 3.5 to 4 inches. Adjust the height for the first mowing in spring to stimulate growth and clean up debris from winter. Sharpening your mower blades regularly and checking tire pressure or deck leveling can make a significant difference.

Mowing may seem like a straightforward task, but there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. At Tompkins Lawn Care, we hope this information empowers you to maintain your lawn with the knowledge and care it deserves. While we may not provide mowing services anymore, we’re always here to offer insights and assistance to help you achieve the beautiful, healthy lawn you desire.