Lawn Maintenance

West Michigan Lawn Care: 2024 Season Kickoff!

March 15th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

in the field weekly updateOur 2024 season has officially begun, and we’re prepared for what lies ahead! With our team fully assembled, we’re setting our sights on some intriguing discoveries.

Our first observation? A sizable mound of dirt, the result of deep tunneling activity from our industrious mole friends. It’s quite impressive, showcasing the fascinating work of these creatures beneath the surface. Not so fascinating for homeowners who like a nice looking yard!

Additionally, we’ve noted signs of chipmunk presence, evident from the distinctive larger holes they leave behind. Their territorial markings add another layer of intrigue to our outdoor investigations.

 

 

Stay tuned for further updates as we’re in the field this Spring and Summer. The journey promises to be enlightening as we uncover more about the natural West Michigan world around us.

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Lawn Care: The Most Active Time Of The Year!

March 8th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: March 4, 2024 – March 8, 2024

Our season officially started in the field on Monday, March 4, and our technicians are out in full force, tackling the increased activity of moles, voles, and chipmunks that comes with this time of year. During the winter months, these critters tend to lay low, but as temperatures rise, they become more noticeable. In one of the pictures from this week, we spotted a mole tunneling against the side of a walkway while searching for earthworms. It most likely came into contact with the sidewalk and simply followed the edge of it as a guide. Our team is working diligently to manage all new activity and to ensure our yards remain mole, vole and chipmunk-free.

Tune in next week for the latest update on what we’re finding out in the field servicing Michigan properties during the Spring and Summer months! 

Thanks for checking in!

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


West Michigan Lawn Care – The Crabgrass Guarantee

February 22nd, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

Timing Is Everything:

Make sure to apply a crabgrass pre-emergent before it’s too late! The optimal window for this in West Michigan is usually between March and May. Our first lawn care application includes this treatment along with fertilizer and general weed control. Additionally, if crabgrass pops up later, we’ll spot-treat it throughout the season for FREE! You can even take advantage of our free service calls if you’re on the full 6 application program. Service calls can be for both crabgrass and general weeds!

Remember, the key to our crabgrass guarantee is a timely pre-emergent application. Let’s strive for a crabgrass-free year together!

 

 

 

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

 


West Michigan Lawn Care and Bug Control – Why It’s Critical To Do Both

February 14th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

Importance of Lawn Care:

*Environmental Benefits: Lawns contribute to cleaner air, soil conservation, and water filtration.

*Aesthetic Appeal: Well-manicured lawns enhance property value and provide recreational spaces.

*Mental Health: Green spaces promote stress reduction and family bonding.

 

Significance of Bug Control:

*Protecting Plant Health: Pest infestations and disease transmission threaten lawn vitality.

*Preventing Human Health Risks: Insects can cause allergies, bites, and indoor intrusion.

*Preserving Biodiversity: Integrated Pest Management balances pest control with conservation efforts.

 

Lawn care and bug control are intertwined. By embracing the correct approach to lawn care and bug control, homeowners can create greener, healthier environments for both humans and nature. Let’s commit to nurturing our lawns to make your yard the most enjoyable part of your home!

 

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

 


Grand Rapids Michigan Mole and Vole Control – What Do I Have?

February 7th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

How Do I Know If I Have Moles or Voles?!

Mole activity vs vole activity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While both moles and voles are small mammals that burrow underground, they show different signs of activity and behaviors. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for effectively managing issues related to their presence, particularly in gardening, landscaping, and overall lawn care.

Mole Activity:

  • Signs include dirt piles, surface ridges, and trails that squish when you walk on them.
  • This activity is the result of moles excavating tunnels underground and pushing up soil to the surface.
  • Moles primarily feed on earth worms which is why permanent removal is not 100% guaranteed.
  • Their tunneling behavior is extensive, creating complex networks of tunnels underground.
  • Moles prefer moist, loose soil and are often found in gardens, fields, and woodland areas.
  • Their activity can be overwhelming in the Spring when snow begins to melt and Fall as temperatures cool down.

Vole Activity:

  • Signs include surface runways, gnaw marks on plants, and the presence of burrow entrances in grassy areas or under vegetation.
  • Voles primarily feed on plant material such as grasses, roots, seeds, and bulbs.
  • They create shallower tunnels compared to moles, often hidden beneath grass or vegetation.
  • In the grass, you’ll notice what looks like as if a garden hose had been laying on the yard.
  • Voles inhabit various environments including grasslands, meadows, and orchards.
  • Like moles, their activity can be overwhelming in the Spring when snow begins to melt and Fall as temperatures cool down.

 

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

 


Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care – What Is Winterizer Fertilizer?

February 2nd, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

A Tuff Turf lawn care tech applying fertilizer to a customers yard.

By winterizing your lawn, you’re not just saving yourself from a springtime scramble; you’re also investing in the long-term health and beauty of your yard. This isn’t just a one-time fix; it sets the stage for a resilient and vibrant lawn throughout the seasons.

Giving your lawn some extra care before winter sets in, you’re essentially fortifying its defenses against the harsh elements. This proactive approach pays off when the freezing temperatures and snow arrive, as your grass will have a head start in developing a robust root system.

This strong foundation not only ensures a quicker return to lush greenery in the spring but also acts as a natural deterrent to weeds, giving your lawn a better chance of maintaining its pristine appearance.

The benefits of winterization go beyond aesthetics. A well-prepared lawn is better equipped to withstand environmental stress, such as extreme weather conditions and soil compaction. This means less maintenance and more time for you to enjoy your outdoor space when the warmer months roll around.

So, if you’ve winterized your lawn, you’re not just checking a seasonal to-do off the list – you’re making a savvy investment in a healthier, more resilient, and visually appealing yard.

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo


Ground Control Lawn Care

February 23rd, 2021 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

We are honored to be recommended by Dan Jelens of Grounds Control Lawn Care as he steps in to retirement.  We wish Dan the best!


MSU Irrigation Tips

July 17th, 2020 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

Helping your lawn during the heat

July 17th, 2020 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

Sprinkling in the Summer

August 2nd, 2019 by Tuff Turf Molebusters
For season grass, summer in Michigan is the worst time of the year.  Remember the heat wave 2 weeks ago with the 90 degree temperatures, high humidity, and even nights that were still 80 degrees at 10:00 PM?  Not only were we uncomfortable, but our lawns were too!  Diseases that attack grass love the heat, humidity, and grass that is under heat stress.  While we cannot control the temperature, there are a few things that you can control, like:
 
Sprinkling

If you have an underground system, avoid sprinkling in the middle of the night.  You should water in the morning for about 15 minutes per zone with rotor heads and 2 minutes per zone with misters.  Water after 6:00 AM so that your lawn is not wet while it is dark.   When temperatures are above 80 degrees, sprinkle again in the afternoon to cool the lawn.  If you are watering in the heat of the day, make sure to water long enough to compensate for evaporation from the sun and wind.  For zones with rotor heads, water for 5 – 10 minutes and 2 minutes for the misters.  This will vary depending on soil profile, type of grass, amount of sun, and the amount of wind you receive.

I realize that underground sprinkling is a nice luxury and not everybody can afford it.  However, in today’s technological world, the lack of an underground sprinkler system is not really an excuse to avoid sprinkling when you are not home.  Amazon has everything you need to make your own “above ground sprinkling system”.  For less than $60 you can buy a digital timer that attaches to your spigot and has up to 4 connections for garden hoses that can be programmed to run at different times.  All you have to do is set out 4 sprinklers in your lawn.  You can even buy timers that have WiFi so you can control the timer with an app.  You would want to move the hoses every couple of days to avoid killing the grass under it.  I have seen many homes with nice systems using garden hoses, and you don’t have to blow them out in the fall!