West Michigan Lawn Care: Core Aeration

September 5th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: September 3, 2024 – September 6, 2024 

We begin core aeration service around this time of year and highly recommend home owners to perform this routine maintenance for the following reasons:

  • Relieves Soil Compaction
    Compacted soil limits root growth by restricting air, water, and nutrients from reaching grass roots. Core aeration loosens the soil, improving root development and allowing roots to penetrate deeper into the ground, leading to a more stable and resilient lawn.
  • Enhances Water, Air, and Nutrient Absorption
    Aeration creates small holes in the soil, allowing water, nutrients, and fertilizers to reach the root zone more effectively. This ensures that grass has better access to essential nutrients, improving overall health and promoting greener, stronger growth.
  • Promotes Deeper Root Growth
    By reducing compaction and allowing easier movement of nutrients and water into the soil, aeration promotes the development of a deeper and more extensive root system. Stronger roots help grass survive stressful conditions like drought, extreme heat, and heavy foot traffic.
  • Reduces Thatch Buildup
    Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and organic matter that can build up between the grass and soil, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Aeration breaks up and accelerates the decomposition of this thatch, promoting better lawn health and reducing the risk of disease.
  • Improves Oxygen Flow to Roots
    Grass roots require oxygen to grow and function properly. Aeration allows oxygen to penetrate the soil more easily, enhancing root respiration and helping grass to thrive. Increased oxygen flow also improves microbial activity, which breaks down organic matter in the soil and improves nutrient cycling.
  • Encourages Thicker, Healthier Grass
    With improved water, nutrient, and oxygen flow, grass becomes healthier and denser. A thicker lawn can outcompete weeds, making the lawn more resistant to invasive species and reducing the need for herbicides or other treatments.
  • Increases Resistance to Pests and Disease
    Healthier, well-nourished grass is more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Aeration helps grass grow stronger and thicker, making it less susceptible to issues like fungal infections, insect damage, and lawn diseases.
  • Reduces Water Runoff and Erosion
    Aeration allows water to penetrate the soil more effectively, reducing water runoff, puddling, and erosion. This improves water conservation, reduces waste, and ensures the lawn retains moisture for longer periods, especially during dry seasons.

Contact Tuff Turf today if you would like our help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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: Crabgrass In Summer

July 26th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: July 22, 2024 – July 26, 2024 

Crabgrass is a common weed that many people struggle with in their lawns. Here’s a simple breakdown of what it is, how it grows, and how to control it.

What is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is an annual weed that grows quickly and can take over your lawn if not managed. It thrives in warm weather and sunny spots.

How Does Crabgrass Grow?

  1. Spring: Crabgrass seeds start to germinate when the soil warms up in spring.
  2. Summer: It grows fast, spreading out and competing with your regular grass.
  3. Late Summer: It produces a lot of seeds, which will grow into new plants next year.
  4. Winter: The plants die with the first frost, but the seeds remain in the soil.

How to Control Crabgrass

  1. Maintain a Healthy Lawn:
    • Mow Regularly: Keep your grass at the right height to shade the soil and prevent crabgrass seeds from sprouting.
    • Water Properly: Deep, infrequent watering helps your lawn grow strong roots, which can outcompete crabgrass.
    • Fertilize: Feed your lawn the right nutrients to keep it healthy and dense.
  2. Remove Crabgrass:
    • Hand Pulling: For small patches, pull out the crabgrass by hand before it sets seeds.
    • Mowing: Regular mowing can help control it by preventing it from spreading.
  3. Use Herbicides:
    • Pre-emergent Herbicides: Apply these in early spring before crabgrass seeds germinate. They prevent seeds from sprouting.
    • Post-emergent Herbicides: If crabgrass is already growing, use these to kill the plants.

Prevention Tips

  • Choose the Right Grass Seed: Use a high-quality seed mix suitable for your region.
  • Mulch: In garden beds, mulch can help prevent crabgrass by blocking light to the soil, which stops seeds from sprouting.

By keeping your lawn healthy and using these control methods, you can effectively manage and prevent crabgrass from taking over your 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


West Michigan Lawn Care: Lush Green Lake Michigan Shoreline Grass

June 28th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: June 24, 2024 – June 28, 2024 

The Lake Michigan shoreline is renowned for its vast fresh water and stunning views. We are privileged to provide fertilization and weed control services to some of the properties along this beautiful coast. We take our job seriously, working to create thick, lush, weed-free lawns that complement the scenic waters. We are proud to enhance the shoreline areas of Holland, Grand Haven, and Muskegon, making them even more picturesque.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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: How To Prevent Lawn Diseases

June 7th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters
An overly watered lawn can lead to various diseases.

 

Use this guide to prevent and treat lawn diseases caused by excessive moisture.

 

  1. Water Deeply and Infrequently: The infrequency helps encourage deep root growth.
  2. Water Early in the Morning: This helps grass blades dry out during the day, reducing fungal risk.
  3. Check Soil Moisture: Ensure soil needs water by probing it before watering. The screwdriver trick works great.
  4. Mow Properly: If a diseases shows up, raise your mower deck and let the grass grow a little longer than normal.
  5. Avoid Night Watering: Cool sunless nights create an environment in the yard for fungus and diseases to flourish.
  6. Aerate Regularly: Improve soil drainage and reduce compaction by performing a core aeration every other season.
  7. Spot Water: Focus on dry spots to prevent overwatering other areas.
  8. Tuff Turf Service Calls: Take advantage of our on site quality checks to help further diagnose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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: Beautiful Properties & Lawns

April 26th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: April 22, 2024 – April 26, 2024

 

It can be extremely frustrating when your whole property is immaculate and pristine, to only have dirt piles and squishy trails showing up from your underground neighbor the mole. By the term neighbor, we mean it. Moles are there to stay once they show up. They found the food source, the earthworm, and are now ready to camp out and stake claim to your soil. To get them out, you need to trap and bait the ones that are currently there and apply a monthly repellent to the perimeter for future prevention.

 

Art may be in the eye of the beholder, but one can’t stop to look in awe of the beautiful contrasting lush green lines the lawn roller has been creating this season. Our veteran lawn rolling technician Chelsea is truly a master when it comes to smoothing out the dirt piles and soft trails that moles create. Don’t forget to do a core aeration the same season you roll your yard! Speaking of, come June, Chelsea plans to jump off the lawn roller and finish out the season by doing Core Aerations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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: Rolling Lawns & Catching Voles

April 5th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: April 1, 2024 – April 5, 2024

Our very own Jocelyn caught a live Vole with her hands out in the field this week! This was no easy task as voles are typically fast little critters running all over the place. The goal of our Vole repellent is to deter them away from the home and overall property, but sometimes you need to take matter into your own hands, literally!

Another tech credit goes to Chelsea for working her magic with the lawn roller. You can see how beautifully striped the lawns turn after getting rolled. The grass blades bend in the direction of the roller which creates the striped look. We can’t stress enough the importance of doing a Core Aeration later in the season after you roll the yard to releive the soil compaction. Usually around June, Chelsea will jump off the lawn roller and onto the aeration machine to knock out the rest of the season! We still have all of April and most of May to keep rolling yards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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


Facebook Giveaway Winner – August!

August 25th, 2023 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

Congrats Bill Schaefer for winning this month’s Facebook drawing for a free service! Bill has won a Core Aeration for the lawn.

https://www.tuffturfmolebusters.com/lawn-care/aeration/

Each month we give away a free service to one of our Facebook likes. Want a chance to win a free service? Just LIKE our Facebook page. No purchase is necessary, no strings attached, no fine print except that the winner must live in our service area of West Michigan and the Detroit suburbs. You don’t even have to be an active client.

Congratulations again Bill!!


July Facebook Winner!!

July 20th, 2023 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

Congratulations Yulia Park for winning this month’s Facebook drawing for a free service! Yulia has won a Core Aeration for the lawn.

Each month we give away a free service to one of our Facebook likes. Want a chance to win a free service? Just LIKE our Facebook page. No purchase is necessary, no strings attached, no fine print except that the winner must live in our service area of West Michigan and the Detroit suburbs. You don’t even have to be an active client.

Congrats again Yulia!!


June Facebook Giveaway!

June 15th, 2023 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

Congrats Eric Schneider for winning this month’s Facebook drawing for a free service! Eric has won a Core Aeration for the lawn.

https://www.tuffturfmolebusters.com/lawn-care/aeration/

Each month we give away a free service to one of our Facebook likes. Want a chance to win a free service? Just LIKE our Facebook page. No purchase is necessary, no strings attached, no fine print except that the winner must live in our service area of West Michigan and the Detroit suburbs. You don’t even have to be an active client.

Congratulations again Eric!!


August Facebook Winner!

August 19th, 2022 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

Congrats Stephanie Elders for winning this month’s Facebook drawing for a free service! Stephanie has won a Core Aeration for her lawn.

https://www.tuffturfmolebusters.com/lawn-care/aeration/

Each month we give away a free service to one of our Facebook likes. Want a chance to win a free service? Just LIKE our Facebook page. No purchase is necessary, no strings attached, no fine print except that the winner must live in our service area of West Michigan and the Detroit suburbs. You don’t even have to be an active client.

Please contact us to set up this free service Stephanie. Congratulations again!!