West Michigan Lawn Care: 3 Simple Steps to Prevent Grub Damage

September 27th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: September 23, 2024 – September 27, 2024 

We have been finding an increasing amount of properties with damage caused by grubs and the skunks that are foraging them.

Let’s cover the 3 simple steps you can do to avoid this problem from occurring:

 

  1. Apply grub prevention in the Summer: This is when the grubs are in their most vulnerable stage. Grubs are the larvae of beetles which lay their eggs and hatch intro grubs by mid-Summer. These young grubs start feeding on grass roots, which can cause a lot of damage resulting in yellow dead spots of grass that can be easily lifted up due to the lack of root integrity. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT step as prevention is the easiest way to bypass the mess that can happen.
  2. Apply grub killer in the Spring and Fall: If you rolled the dice by not applying a grub prevention in the Summer and you’re noticing damage either in the Spring or Fall, all we can do now is kill off what is currently there. This is a costly and time consuming process because we have to kill the grubs and repair whatever damage they caused. Please be aware that skunks can cause further damage in the Fall by digging for grubs. This compounds the damage that grubs cause as you can see from our example pictures below.
  3. Maintain a Healthy lawn: Grubs are less likely to infest well-maintained, healthy lawns. Regularly mow, water and fertilizer your lawn to encourage strong root systems, which can better withstand grub damage. Core aerating the soil can also help by making it less attractive to adult beetles, which lay grub eggs.

 

In summary, applying grub control in the summer allows you to target the pests when they are young, actively feeding, and most susceptible, preventing lawn damage and future infestations.

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: 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: How To Control Moles and Chipmunks

June 14th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: June 10, 2024 – June, 14, 2024 

Moles live mostly underground, building complex tunnels to find food, for living, and nesting. They create surface tunnels to find food like earthworms and insects, and deeper tunnels for habitation. Although their tunneling can disrupt yards, it benefits the soil by aerating and mixing it. Moles are territorial, using their sense of touch and smell to navigate and find food. Their activity increases in spring and fall, with deeper digging in winter and summer to avoid extreme temperatures. Understanding their behavior reveals the challenges of managing them in yards. Ironically, we found a mole out in the middle of the road this week! How it got there…who knows?!

 

Chipmunks on the other hand dig extensive burrows with multiple entrances for food storage, nesting, and to simply escape. Active during the day, they forage for seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects, storing food in their cheek pouches. They help the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and aerating soil, but their burrowing can damage gardens, lawns, and foundations. To manage chipmunks, use barriers, traps, or repellents, and minimize food sources to discourage them. We found a chipmunk hole in the middle of the yard which isn’t as common as finding their holes near cement pathways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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: Chipmunks are smarter than we think

May 24th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: May 20, 2024 – May 24, 2024

Beautiful water views captivate and soothe the soul. At Michigan’s crystal-clear Gun Lake, we soaked in the tranquil scenery that makes us love this state. Ducks strolled by as we performed our lawn care service, adding to the peaceful ambiance of being by the water.

On the other hand, not everything is so serene—like chipmunks! We arrived at a property just in time to snap a picture of one scampering away. It’s as if they know who we are and why we’re there. If only there was a service to keep watch 24/7… Fortunately, our chipmunk trapping program does just that. We visit once per week for 6 weeks to remove any chipmunks caught in our box traps and reset them for the next week. This method is extremely effective, especially when homeowners clean up brush piles to eliminate hiding spots for the chipmunks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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