We've been approached, researched, and investigated by multiple corporate giants and their industry investigators, all of whom have wondered, "How on earth do you control weeds without using our herbicides?" In this blog post, we aim to demystify the world of organic gardening. The ideas presented here are not original to us; instead, they are age-old practices handed down through generations of organic farmers. Unfortunately, much of this knowledge has been forgotten. We're here to immortalize these practices on the internet, helping to lessen our dependence on outdated chemical technologies.

A little background about us: We're not a massive conglomerate but rather ordinary people who, like you, seek a normal, cancer-free life. From the beginning, we decided against using chemicals. As a result, our journey has been filled with numerous obstacles. We encountered a plethora of misinformation online, leaving us to wonder: either no one truly understands how to do this correctly, or someone is intentionally misinforming the public. Regardless, our goal was to find a 100% organic solution that works. Fortunately, we have discovered answers that we are now presenting to you on a silver platter.

There are several cultural and biological weed management strategies that homeowners like you can use to control weeds in your lawns and gardens. These methods are considered to be more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and often more effective than using chemical herbicides.

1. Mulching is an essential component of organic gardening that provides numerous benefits. By utilizing organic materials like grass clippings, leaves, or wood chips, mulching helps suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. It also retains moisture and improves soil health, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.
   
   Applying mulch to lawns and around plant beds is a common practice. When mulching your lawn, it's essential to recycle grass clippings, which not only conserves resources but also returns valuable nutrients to the soil. This practice helps maintain a healthy and lush lawn while minimizing weed growth.
   
   When mulching around plant beds, avoid using weed fabric underneath the mulch layer. The reason for this is that organic mulch will naturally decompose over time, contributing to the nutrient cycling process and enriching the soil. Weed fabric can inhibit this decomposition process and may even create a barrier that prevents water and nutrients from reaching plant roots. Instead, opt for a thick layer of organic mulch, which will gradually break down and improve soil structure and fertility.
   
   As the mulch decomposes, you may notice some weed germination or a decrease in the thickness of the mulch bed. This is an excellent time to hand weed specific areas and add more mulch to maintain its weed-suppressing abilities and continue promoting a healthy garden environment. Regularly monitoring and replenishing your mulch layers will ensure that your garden remains weed-free and vibrant.
   
   In addition to weed suppression, mulching provides other benefits such as moderating soil temperature, reducing soil erosion, and providing a habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms. By incorporating mulching into your gardening routine, you can create a more sustainable, low-maintenance, and productive garden that thrives without the need for synthetic chemicals.
   
   
2. Cover cropping is a valuable practice in sustainable gardening and agriculture, which involves planting species like clover, winter rye, or other cover crops between growing seasons. This technique effectively suppresses unwanted germination of annual weeds by competing for essential resources such as nutrients, soil, and sunlight. In addition to weed suppression, cover cropping offers numerous long-term benefits for soil health and overall productivity.
   
   As cover crops establish a dense canopy, they outcompete annual weeds for light, water, and nutrients, reducing weed germination and growth. In many cases, this can eliminate the need for chemical herbicides and manual weed control efforts altogether. Cover crops contribute to soil health by increasing the organic matter content through the addition of plant residues and root exudates. This process naturally enhances soil structure, water infiltration, and water-holding capacity, leading to healthier and more productive plants and grass.
   
   Leguminous cover crops, such as clover, have the unique ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it bioavailable in the soil for future plant use. This characteristic can reduce or even eliminate the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, promoting more sustainable urban and rural farming practices. Other cover crops, including buckwheat, barley, mustard, and radish, function as nutrient scavengers, preventing the loss of nutrients through leaching into groundwater or surface runoff.
   
   Cover crops also play a crucial role in soil conservation, particularly in highly eroded areas. They protect the soil surface from wind and water erosion while their root systems help anchor the soil, preventing the loss of valuable topsoil. Some cover crops produce allelopathic chemicals or attract beneficial insects that prey on pests, helping suppress soil-borne diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
   
   Finally, cover crops contribute to a more balanced and resilient ecosystem by increasing plant diversity and providing habitat and food sources for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. By integrating cover cropping into your gardening or farming practices, you can lessen unwanted weed germination, enhance soil health, productivity, and sustainability, working harmoniously with the environment.
   
   
3. Crop rotation and intercropping are effective strategies for managing weeds, enhancing soil health, and promoting biodiversity in both agricultural and lawn settings. These practices disrupt weed growth patterns, alter the competitive balance between crops and weeds, and reduce reliance on chemical herbicides while breaking pest and disease cycles.
   
   Most lawns consist of a monoculture, where only a single type of grass exists. Crop rotation, which involves growing different crops with varied life cycles, growth habits, and planting and harvest times, can interrupt weed life cycles and prevent their establishment. This is particularly effective against weeds that prefer specific conditions or have life cycles synchronized with certain crops.
   
   By rotating crops, you create a dynamic environment that makes it difficult for weeds to adapt and thrive. For instance, a tall, fast-growing crop can shade out weeds, reducing their ability to compete for light. Conversely, a low-growing crop with dense foliage may better compete for nutrients and water.
   
   Intercropping entails planting two or more crops together in the same area, leading to more efficient use of resources like light, water, and nutrients, as different crops have distinct resource requirements and uptake patterns. This method creates a complex environment that challenges weeds to establish and compete with the crops. Some crops produce allelopathic chemicals that inhibit weed germination and growth, offering a natural form of weed suppression when included in a rotation or intercropping system.
   
   Crop rotation and intercropping help break pest and disease cycles by reducing host plant availability, indirectly contributing to weed control by fostering healthier, more vigorous crop growth capable of competing with weeds. Relying exclusively on herbicides for weed control can result in herbicide-resistant weed populations. Employing crop rotation and intercropping as part of an integrated weed management strategy can minimize herbicide use and delay herbicide resistance development.
   
   Furthermore, crop rotation and intercropping boost biodiversity, attracting beneficial organisms like insects, birds, and microorganisms that help control weeds by consuming weed seeds or inhibiting weed growth. Overall, these practices contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly weed management solutions.
   
   
4. Companion planting is an effective strategy for suppressing unwanted weed germination and promoting healthier, more productive gardens. Companion planting can attract beneficial insects and predators that help control weeds by feeding on weed seeds or inhibiting their growth. For example, planting flowers like cosmos, yarrow, or dill can attract insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on pests and indirectly aid in weed management. By carefully selecting companion plants that release allelopathic compounds or create physical barriers, you can naturally reduce weed growth and minimize the need for chemical weed control methods.
   
   Allelopathic plants: Certain plants release allelopathic chemicals that can inhibit the germination and growth of weeds. By planting these species alongside your desired plants, you create a natural form of weed suppression.
   
   Examples of allelopathic plants include:

• Marigolds: These colorful flowers release compounds that can suppress weeds and deter pests, making them excellent companion plants for vegetables.
• Sunflowers: Their tall growth and dense canopy can shade out weeds, while their allelopathic properties help prevent weed germination.
• Rye: This cover crop releases allelopathic chemicals that suppress weed growth and can improve soil structure when incorporated into the soil.
  
  Physical barriers: Some plants act as physical barriers, limiting the available space, sunlight, and nutrients for weeds to grow. These plants can outcompete weeds and make it difficult for them to establish.
  
  Examples include:
• Groundcovers: Low-growing plants like creeping thyme, ajuga, or sweet alyssum form dense mats that leave little room for weeds to grow. They also reduce soil erosion and help retain soil moisture.
• Tall plants: Species with a large canopy, such as sunflowers or Texas sage, can shade out weeds and limit their access to sunlight, inhibiting their growth.
• Plants with dense foliage: Crops like bush beans or potatoes have dense foliage that can compete effectively with weeds for nutrients and water, reducing weed growth.
  
  Incorporating a variety of plant species in your garden can make it more difficult for weeds to establish and thrive. Diverse plantings create a complex environment that offers different root structures, growth patterns, and resource competition, making it challenging for weeds to find a niche in which they can flourish.
  
  By using companion planting as part of your overall organic weed management strategy, you can create a more balanced and resilient ecosystem that naturally suppresses weed growth, reduces the need for chemical herbicides, and promotes healthier, more productive gardens.
  

Lastly, the use of all the strategies above helps in creating a natural biological control. This is the intelligent use of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control pests that can damage or weaken plants, can also indirectly help control weed growth. By combining these cultural and biological weed management strategies, homeowners can develop an integrated weed management approach that is effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. It's important to note that some of these methods may require more time and effort than using chemical herbicides, but the long-term benefits for soil health, plant productivity, and environmental health make them well worth the investment. And this is where we come in. We do not sell a bag of fertilizer nor a bag of herbicide. We offer a lifelong commitment to organic lawn and gardening in a highly urbanized environment. We are your personal organic farmer. Instead of propagating potatoes, we are growing grass. And instead of growing giant sweet corns, we are propagating native flowers. Feel free to ask us any questions in the comments section below. We are here to help.

Many new clients have asked us about our weed targeting methods, and we want to clarify our approach. At 50k Professional Lawn Services LLC, we prioritize the health of the soil that your lawn grows in, rather than targeting individual weeds. We take inspiration from organic farms in America and from far flung areas in the world that has not yet been taken over by large conglomerates (yes, we travel the world to get unbiased information to apply to lawns), who use traditional methods to make their crops more resilient to pests, diseases, and weed infestations. By prioritizing soil health, we ensure that your lawn outgrows unwanted vegetation through crop rotation and propagation methods.

Unlike the tens of thousands of other lawn care companies in the industry, we do not rely on pre-emergent nor on post-emergent treatments to control weeds. Instead, we utilize cutting-edge soil science and traditional pre-World War farming methods to propagate lawns. We have extensively researched these methods, debunking misinformation along the way, and developed proprietary techniques to promote optimal soil health for lawns.

Our comprehensive approach to organic lawn care includes a combination of soil science, traditional crop management techniques, and advanced technology. By focusing on the health of your soil, we are able to create a thriving, resilient lawn that can resist weeds, pests, and diseases. While we are neither a weed control nor a pest control company, our proprietary techniques have the inadvertent positive effects of suppressing both weed germination and pest infestation for reasons we still do not yet fully understand. Our hunch is a high brix indicator test of grass blade sap resists both through the natural breakdown of sugar in grass root exudation. But then again, this is just a hunch. Another hunch is the unavailability of nitrates in the soil makes it harder for weeds and pests to have immediate nutrients for growth: the lawn on the other hand has the ability to convert organic matter into nitrogen through bacterial decomposition; hence, the use of bacteria dominant compost tea. What we know for sure is that our proprietary method works. We take pride in offering a different kind of service not available anywhere else in Austin that is grounded in science and has been proven to produce impressive results in the real world. We simply focus on creating healthy soil conditions that are favorable to grass growth. That's all.

Iron-based herbicides are now being sold as a one size fits all spray for all types of broadleaves. Iron-based weed control has even been proposed as a more natural alternative to chemical herbicides, which are known to have negative impacts on the environment and human health. But, the use of iron-based herbicides for weed control also has significant drawbacks, and in this blog post we will argue that their use should be carefully considered, minimized and even eliminated altogether in your garden routine. It is always best to attack the root cause of the problems (THE SOIL!). 

The first major problem with iron-based herbicides is their potential negative impact on soil microbiology. Iron is an essential nutrient for plants, but excessive amounts of iron can be toxic to soil microorganisms, which play a critical role in maintaining soil health and fertility. These microorganisms break down organic matter and cycle nutrients, including iron, to plants. The use of iron-based herbicides can lead to the accumulation of iron in the soil, which can inhibit the growth of beneficial microorganisms and disrupt nutrient cycling processes. This can have long-term impacts on soil health and plant productivity, and may require additional inputs of fertilizers and soil amendments to mitigate.

In addition to their impacts on soil microbiology, and this is point number 2, iron-based herbicides can also have negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. When iron is applied, it can leach into nearby waterways, where it can be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. This can have significant ecological impacts, especially in areas where water quality is already compromised due to other stressors. Iron-based herbicides may also contribute to the formation of harmful algal blooms, which can further degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. In Austin, we have unfortunately had experienced this. Rivers that used to be deemed safe for dogs to swim are now off limits due to the risk of blue-green algal blooms. In fact, Austinites are now being warned to assume that all algal blooms harmful and to simply avoid it altogether.

Third, iron-based herbicides are not always effective against all types of weeds. Some species may be resistant to iron-based herbicides, and multiple applications may be necessary to achieve adequate control. This can lead to increased costs, as well as elevated environmental risks and exposure associated with repeated applications. On top of this, iron-based herbicides can damage or kill desirable plants if not applied carefully or in the right conditions. This can have significant economic impacts especially those growing sensitive crops in their backyards. There is a reason why iron-based herbicides for weed control is highly regulated. There is a reason why the spray bottle has the word, "CAUTION", on its label. 

Fourth, while the initial cost of iron-based herbicides may be lower than chemical herbicides, the need for multiple applications and potential impacts on soil health may increase overall costs in the long run. Iron-based herbicides can be more expensive and less effective than just manually removing weeds by hand and maintaining soil health. This means that if broadleaves are all over your lawn, you have a soil problem, not an iron problem. 

Fifth issue with iron-based herbicides is their potential to contribute to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. While iron-based herbicides are not currently used as widely as chemical herbicides, the repeated use of any herbicide can naturally select - through the Theory of Natural Selection, thank you very much Charles Darwin - for weed populations that are resistant to its mode of action. This can lead to the development of superweeds that are difficult or impossible to control, and may require even more toxic or expensive herbicides to manage. The potential for herbicide-resistant weeds is a significant concern, and the use of iron-based herbicides may exacerbate this problem.

To conclude, while iron-based herbicides may offer some benefits as an alternative to chemical herbicides, their use should be carefully considered, minimized, and even eliminated whenever possible. The potential negative impacts on soil microbiology and aquatic ecosystems, as well as their limited effectiveness against some weed species, high costs, and potential to contribute to herbicide resistance, all highlight the need for caution when using these products. Homeowners should explore a range of weed control methods, including cultural and biological controls, ground covers, overseeding, checking for soil pH, availability of nutrients, core aeration, as well as manual removal, to develop a holistically integrated organic weed management strategies that are sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.

Organic lawn care and traditional lawn care methods refer to different approaches to maintaining a healthy lawn.

Traditional lawn care typically involves the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to control pests and weeds, as well as improve the growth of the grass. This method can quickly produce results, but it may have long-term effects on the environment, including groundwater contamination and harm to beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Organic lawn care, on the other hand, relies on natural methods to maintain a healthy lawn, such as using compost, mulch, and other organic matter to improve soil health, and relying on natural predators to control pests. This approach is considered to be safer for the environment and wildlife, but it may take longer to see results and may require more time and effort to maintain.

Pros of traditional lawn care:

• Quick results
• Easy to implement
• Widely available
• Low cost

Cons of traditional lawn care:

• May harm the environment and wildlife (yes, may, a rare kind of people exist who do it right.)
• Can lead to groundwater contamination
• May create a dependence on synthetic chemicals (yes, as microbes die from nitrates found in traditional lawn care products. Again, may, because a rare kind of people do exist who do this the right way. They are very rare.)
  
  

Pros of organic lawn care:

• Safe for the environment and wildlife
• Promotes a healthier soil ecosystem
• Avoids dependence on synthetic chemicals

Cons of organic lawn care:

• Takes longer to see results
• Requires more time and effort to maintain
• May be more expensive (yes, may, especially in large commercial applications, in smaller residential settings, not so much, the difference 5%-10% difference in cost is negligible: we are talking about $3-$6 per thousand square feet.)

​Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your personal values and priorities, as well as the specific conditions of your lawn.

Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid made by steeping compost in water, then aerating the mixture to promote bacterial growth. Compost tea has become a popular tool for organic lawn care as it provides essential nutrients to the soil and plants, as well as increasing the populations of beneficial bacteria and fungi. In this essay, we will examine the use of compost tea in organic lawn care, including the benefits of using compost tea, how to make and apply compost tea, and the potential drawbacks to its use.

The benefits of using compost tea in organic lawn care are many. First and foremost, compost tea provides essential nutrients to the soil and plants. Compost tea contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth and overall health. Additionally, compost tea contains other micronutrients and trace elements that are also important for plant growth. By applying compost tea to the soil, you can provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Another benefit of compost tea is that it increases the populations of beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil. These microorganisms play a vital role in the soil food web, breaking down organic matter, making nutrients available to plants, and suppressing plant pathogens. By increasing the populations of these beneficial microorganisms, compost tea can help improve the overall health of the soil, leading to stronger, healthier plants.

Compost tea also provides a natural way to control pests and diseases in the lawn. Beneficial bacteria and fungi in compost tea can help suppress harmful pathogens in the soil, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, compost tea can help improve plant resistance to disease and pests by providing essential nutrients and promoting strong plant growth.

Making compost tea is relatively simple and requires few materials. To make compost tea, you will need compost, water, and an aeration system. To start, mix compost and water in a large container, then add an aeration system, such as a aquarium air pump, to provide oxygen to the mixture. Aerate the compost tea for 24-48 hours, then strain the liquid and apply it to the lawn using a watering can or spray bottle.

Applying compost tea is also straightforward. To apply compost tea to your lawn, simply water the lawn thoroughly with the compost tea mixture. It is recommended to apply compost tea in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler, to avoid damaging the lawn with too much heat or light. Additionally, be sure to water the lawn thoroughly after applying compost tea, to help it soak into the soil.

While compost tea has many benefits for organic lawn care, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. One potential drawback is the time and effort required to make compost tea. While making compost tea is relatively simple, it does require time and attention to ensure that the tea is aerated properly and that the right ratios of compost and water are used. Additionally, compost tea must be made fresh, as it can deteriorate quickly if not used immediately.

Another potential drawback of compost tea is the cost. While compost tea is generally less expensive than commercial fertilizers, it still requires the cost of compost, water, and an aeration system. Additionally, if you do not have compost readily available, you may need to purchase compost or make your own, which can add to the cost of using compost tea.

Finally, compost tea may not be effective for all lawns. The benefits of compost tea are highly dependent on the quality of the compost used and the conditions of the soil. If the compost used to make compost tea is of poor quality or if the soil is not conducive to the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi, the effects of compost tea may be minimal.

​

The relationship between herbicide use, cancer, and organic lawn care is a complex and highly debated issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years. Herbicides, also known as weed killers, are chemicals used to control the growth of unwanted plants and weeds. They are widely used in agriculture, landscaping, and home gardens, but their use has been linked to numerous health and environmental risks, including an increased risk of cancer. In response, many people have turned to organic lawn care practices that aim to promote healthy soil and plants while minimizing the use of chemicals.

Herbicides are designed to be toxic to certain plants and weeds, but they can also have harmful effects on human health and the environment. Some studies have suggested that exposure to certain herbicides may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and the relationship between herbicide use and cancer risk is still being studied.

One of the challenges in understanding the relationship between herbicides and cancer is the difficulty in measuring exposure to these chemicals. Most studies rely on self-reported exposure to herbicides, which can be inaccurate. In addition, many herbicides are used in combination with other chemicals, making it difficult to determine the individual effects of each chemical. Furthermore, the effects of long-term exposure to low levels of herbicides are not well understood, and more research is needed in this area.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the relationship between herbicides and cancer, there is a growing concern about the negative health and environmental impacts of these chemicals. In addition to increasing cancer risk, herbicides can also harm beneficial insects, wildlife, and the overall ecosystem. They can contaminate water sources and soil, and they can also disrupt the balance of natural ecosystems.

In response to these concerns, many people have turned to organic lawn care practices as a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional herbicide use. Organic lawn care involves using natural methods to promote healthy soil and plants, such as composting, mulching, and using beneficial insects to control pests and weeds. These practices rely on a holistic approach to lawn care, focusing on soil health and plant nutrition, rather than relying on chemicals to control unwanted plants and pests.

Organic lawn care is not only safer and more sustainable, but it can also result in a healthier and more attractive lawn. By using natural methods to promote soil health and plant growth, organic lawn care can lead to a more resilient and self-sustaining ecosystem. Furthermore, by avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, organic lawn care can help to protect the health of both people and the environment.

In conclusion, the relationship between herbicide use, cancer, and organic lawn care is complex and multifaceted. While the evidence linking herbicides and cancer risk is not conclusive, there is growing concern about the negative health and environmental impacts of these chemicals. Organic lawn care offers a safer and more sustainable alternative, promoting healthy soil and plants while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals. By adopting organic lawn care practices, we can help to protect both human health and the environment, and create healthier and more sustainable communities.

​

Some red dyes may potentially have harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil and impact plant health. 

What are potentially harmful chemicals from mulch dyed with red pigment that can leach into the soil and impact plant health?
While there is no conclusive evidence that the red pigments used in mulch are harmful to plants or the environment, some concerns have been raised about the chemicals used to produce the red dye, which may include heavy metals, such as chromium, copper, and arsenic. These chemicals can potentially leach into the soil over time and accumulate to levels that can be harmful to plants and other living organisms in the soil. It's always a good practice to choose high-quality mulch from reputable sources and to use it according to the manufacturer's recommendations to minimize any potential negative impacts.

How would I know if I already have heavy metals in my plant bed's soil?
There are some types of insects that are known to tolerate or even thrive in soil with high levels of heavy metals. These insects have evolved mechanisms to detoxify or excrete these metals, allowing them to survive in otherwise toxic environments. Some examples include certain species of springtails, beetles, and earthworms.

It's ultimately up to personal preference, but it's worth considering these factors before choosing to use dyed mulch. At 50k Professional Lawn Services LLC, we prefer to err on the side of caution and not expose ourselves to such chemicals. Afterall, at the end of the day, health ultimately is wealth. And we want to serve you and your family for many, many more years to come.

Thinking of removing your yard waste but don’t know where to start? Worry no more! Your yard experts are here to help! Hauling of debris such as tree branches, firewood, unpainted wooden fences, dirt pile, brush, leaves, grass clippings, landscaping debris, yard trimmings, and other organic debris, is one of the most difficult and time consuming tasks around the lawn. It usually requires a team of two or more to complete this task, and would sometimes need an excavator depending on how much lawn debris to be removed. We help people like you in doing heavy tasks like this. 

We dispose of these lawn debris responsibly and in an eco-friendly manner. We do our best to help our environment by recycling, repurposing, and reusing your lawn junk. For example, we recycle organic waste and use it as fertilizer.
We have minimum load to full load hauling depending on the amount and weight of the debris.

Aside from hauling your lawn debris, we also sweep up and vacuum to make sure there are no left overs. We dispose of your lawn junk to its respective recycling facility, donation box, or landfill. 

Hauling Service Options:

Minimum Hauling
Coverage: This covers labor to prepare, load, haul away, and proper disposal of bulk organic debris that won’t normally fit a 30-gallon bag.
Average Service Time: 30 minutes.

Half Load Hauling
This covers labor to prepare, load, haul away, and proper disposal of bulk organic debris 350 cubic feet of up to 1 ton.
Average Service Time: 80 minutes.

Full Load Hauling
This covers labor to prepare, load, haul away, and proper disposal of bulk organic debris 700 cubic feet of up to 2 tons.
Average Service Time: 350 minutes.
​
Here’s a simple guide if you would like to estimate the lawn debris on your own. 

Computation:
L x W x H = cubic feet
5’ x 2’ x 6’ = 60 cubic feet or 2.22 cubic yards.
2.22 cubic yards is 1 and a quarter pallet or Half Load Hauling
​
You may text us your lawn debris photos to (844) 505-5296 or ask us to do an onsite estimate for a more accurate quote. Our onsite estimate is absolutely FREE. You may call us from Mondays-Saturdays 7AM to 5PM (844) 505-5296 or you may also contact us via chat here on our website to set up an account and we’ll schedule the FREE onsite visit on the next earliest availability. Assessments during the onsite visit will then be forwarded to our office for review and final checking. For your convenience, the final estimate will be sent to you via email and text for your review and approval. Once approved, you may click on the "Review and Pay Deposit" button to approve the quotation and setup your automated billing. You may also opt out of automated billing by unchecking the "Save for future use" box, but we require prepayment on the onset of every relationship. For all quotations approved on or before Thursday will get scheduled within the week. Otherwise, all approved quotations beyond Thursday will get scheduled the following week.

​

It has been a while since our last blog update. We have been very busy serving many of our existing and new clients and at the same time fixing everything in the back end. This year, we mainly focused on improving our online bulk mulch delivery service. Delivery has now been expanded throughout the city of Austin and neighboring cities by popular demand. Despite the rising cost of doing business, we are maintaining our FREE delivery within Austin and a nominal fee for neighboring cities. In line with this, we improved our ability to handle large orders, upwards of 50 yards, especially for commercial properties and large homes. Service scheduling currently stands at 90% on-time delivery (within the day of original schedule) for the past 6 months. We are very proud of this achievement. This resulted in expedited service that lessened property down time, greatly improved service quality, and lowered overall service price. We would say that the totality of our mulch installation and delivery service is a culmination of 7 years of industry experience and 6 months of hyperfocus to make the mulch numbers work! There are more updates coming very soon this year! Thank you for trusting us, Austin! Serving you with Love since 2015.

Before installing sod over existing dead grass, it's important to first remove the dead grass and prepare the soil. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Remove the dead grass by using a sod cutter, a rake, or a shovel.
2. Rake the soil to remove any remaining debris, such as rocks or roots.
3. Loosen the soil with a garden fork or a tiller to a depth of at least 2-3 inches.
4. Amend the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss, which will improve soil structure and provide nutrients for the new sod.
5. Level the soil by raking it evenly.
6. Water the soil to moisten it before installing the sod.

By following these steps, you can prepare the soil for a successful sod installation over the existing dead grass.

The time it takes for sod to take root and establish largely depends on the temperature conditions and other factors that influence grass growth. Generally, it takes 2 to 3 weeks for sod to fully take hold and establish roots in optimal growing conditions, but this can vary based on factors such as temperature, moisture levels, and soil quality.
Temperature is a key factor in grass growth, as it affects the rate at which the roots and blades of the grass grow. In cooler temperatures, grass growth slows down, which can lead to slower root establishment and a longer time for the sod to take. In contrast, warm temperatures can promote faster growth and quicker root establishment. Typically, the optimal temperature range for grass growth is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to temperature, moisture levels also play an important role in sod establishment. Sod needs to be kept consistently moist in order to establish roots and avoid drying out, but over-watering can lead to other problems like fungal growth. It's important to balance the frequency and duration of watering based on the temperature and other environmental conditions to avoid over- or under-watering.
Soil quality also affects the time it takes for sod to take root and establish. Healthy soil with good structure, nutrients, and drainage promotes healthy root growth and can speed up the process of sod establishment. Poor soil quality, on the other hand, can lead to slower root establishment and can even cause the sod to fail to take.
In summary, the time it takes for sod to take root and establish can vary based on several factors, including temperature, moisture levels, and soil quality. In optimal growing conditions, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for the sod to fully take hold, but it's important to monitor and adjust watering and other environmental factors to promote healthy root growth and establish a strong, healthy lawn.

If one area of your lawn has a puddle of water, it is not necessary to water that area until the water has had a chance to drain away. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can deprive the roots of oxygen and cause them to rot. This can lead to unhealthy grass, root damage, and even dead spots in your lawn.
If your lawn has poor drainage and you frequently experience puddling or standing water, you may want to consider improving the drainage in that area. This can be done by adding soil amendments such as compost or sand to improve soil structure and drainage, or by installing a drainage system such as French drains or a dry well.
In general, it's best to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than giving it light, frequent waterings. This promotes deep root growth and helps the grass to withstand drought conditions. When watering, it's important to adjust the frequency and duration based on weather conditions, soil type, and other factors to avoid overwatering and promote healthy grass growth.

In Austin, Texas, newly installed grass sods generally require frequent watering to promote root establishment and prevent the sod from drying out. It's important to water the sod deeply and regularly in the first few weeks after installation to ensure that the roots are able to establish and take hold.


Typically, it's recommended to water newly installed grass sods in Central Texas at least once per day for the first week, and then gradually reduce the frequency of watering over the next several weeks as the roots become more established. The amount of water you apply will depend on the temperature and other environmental conditions, but generally, you should aim to moisten the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.


As the roots become more established, you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering to once every 2 to 3 days, and then once a week as the sod becomes fully established. However, it's important to continue to monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule as needed based on weather conditions and other factors.


In general, it's better to water deeply and less frequently, rather than giving the sod light, frequent waterings. This promotes deep root growth and helps the grass to withstand drought conditions. When watering, it's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging and other problems.

BACKGROUND: THIS SECTION COVERS BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ORGANIC LAWN CARE.

What is Organic Lawn Care?
Organic lawn care is about turning away from the use of conventional chemicals. A more sustainable approach like how farmers used on crops in the years past. Organic lawn care centers around the health of the soil. When the soil is healthy, you get to have healthy plants too. A healthy soil absorbs more moisture and requires less watering. That means switching to organic lawn care is in fact a cost effective alternative. Organic lawns resist pests, prolonged drought, and outgrow weeds.

Organic Lawn Care includes:
Organic Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer made from rock minerals, organic plant, and animal matter. This combination of organic matter adds nutrients into the soil as it decomposes. The length of the decomposition process depends on ground temperature and weather. Warmer weather accelerates the decomposition process while cooler weather prolongs it. This process expands and contracts organic matter. Releasing nutrients absorbed by grass, plants, and trees. That, in turn, improves soil structure and texture.

Topsoil
Topsoil not only adds nutrients, oxygen to plant roots, and beneficial microbes. This is essential when transitioning to organic lawn care. Topsoil contributes to lawn health by creating aerobic condition that improves drainage. By making the soil more porous, air is able to reach the root system easier. This lessens anaerobic condition, a particular symptoms of which is muddy areas. Anaerobic muddy areas accelerates unwanted soil erosion. Topsoil is also used for minor re-levelling/correction of the lawn. In sports fields, topsoil is the best amendment to flatten the field. It bonds to the existing soil much better than sand. That is the number one mistake we notice when dealing with construction companies. They deal with lawn like they deal with foundations. They are not the same. Sand will not bond to the existing soil, ever - well, yes, if Dr. Elaine Ingham is advising them. But then again, that is a big if. Almost always, construction companies will use sand to fill in holes only for the sand to erode after a rain. That said, if filling holes is the problem, topsoil is the solution.

Compost
Compost is the unprocessed topsoil. A compost has chunks of yet-to-be-decomposed organic matter. Compost is moist and very warm to touch when alive. If packaged in a bag for a prolonged period of time, the microbes in the compost can die, be dry and dusty. An good compost has beneficial microbes: bacteria, algae, fungi, and nematodes. These microbes help keep the soil healthy. Adding compost to your lawn helps nourish the soil. We generally recommend adding compost as a top dress as a cost-effective way to amend the soil. It is cheaper than topsoil at a ratio of $1:$2. While it is not as flat as a topsoil, compost generally flattens as it decomposes. Compost becomes topsoil when given enough time to decompose. This decomposition process again increases beneficial microbial activity in the soil. When the soil is rich in microbial life, this means less fertilizing and watering.

​Actively Aerated Compost Tea
Aerated Compost Tea helps speed up the lawn's transition to organic lawn care. A compost tea contains beneficial microorganisms that produces 12 bioavailable nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus/Phosphate, Calcium, Iron, Soluble Potash, Magnesium, Sulfur, Copper, Manganese, Molybdenum, Sodium, and Zinc. These water-soluble nutrients are immediately available contributing to the lawn's growth and reproduction. For that matter, any plant's health.

Organic Mulch
Organic mulch includes wood chips, bark, straw, leaves, and other organic matter. Organic mulch is the unprocessed compost. That said, organic mulch also has beneficial microbes. It retains moisture and can be very hot to touch. As you can see, these two observations are a telltale sign of a good organic product. Organic mulches suppress weeds on plant beds. On lawns, we use mulch on anaerobic areas to provide root protection in high traffic areas. They add organic matter to the soil and prevent soil compaction. In residential setting, mulch is the best-bang-for-the-buck to increase curb appeal.

Organic Weed Control
Most households use weed killers as part of their lawn care regiment. This has become the de-facto practice after World War 2. The time when companies repurposed war-time chemicals to household use. The threat to health of these chemicals poses is becoming mainstream. Every year, a growing number of households in Austin are switching to organic lawn care. Organic lawn care is a system that accepts minor imperfection in grass propagation. This is a healthy balance in the real world. Organic weed control is not about treating weeds. It is about prevention and weed management. We tolerate imperfections. This philosophy is known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) according to The Spruce.

Core Aeration and Dethatching
Thatch is an accumulated layer of organic matter on a lawn. Composed of grass roots, crowns, stolon, rhizomes, and organic matter. Thatch buildup slows down when the soil have beneficial microorganisms. When beneficial microorganism is at its lowest, thatch builds up occurs. This happens when using synthetic nitrates. Synthetic nitrates, in concentrate form, do not exist in the real world. Because of this, microorganism dies upon contact. As a result, the thatch layer fails to decompose and builds up. Generally, a thatch layer of about 1/2-inch thick is acceptable. It allows water, nutrients, and air to penetrate into the soil. At acceptable thickness, we use core aeration to pull soil plugs from the lawn. These plugs aid the decomposition process. The plug holes in the soil increase air and water penetration. When the thatch is layer is thicker, it blocks water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil. In this case, a dethatching pulls the excess thatch layer. This process is stressful for the lawn. We avoid this as much as possible through the use of less invasive methods of soil correction. Because dethatching pulls the thatch layer, it damages the lawn, creating bald areas.

Proper Lawn Mowing
Proper lawn mowing is essential to organic lawn care. Lawn mowing prevents weeds and diseases. We mow organic lawns higher following the one-third cardinal rule of mowing. This keeps the grass longer and lessens unwanted seed germination. It also keeps the soil moist and cooler. The grass' growth potential depends on the season. In Spring and Fall, grass grows the fastest and requires frequent mowing. Whereas in Summer and Winter, the grass grows at a much slower pace that requires less mowing. But then again, weather is unpredictable. The grass will grow as long as the outdoor temperature is above 60F even in Summer and Winter. That said, these are highly generalized rule of thumb we are discussing here.

How to know if a lawn is healthy?
A healthy lawn must have healthy soil. Healthy soil can be best described as something that is moist to the touch even when not irrigated. This supports the development of a healthy grass. A healthy soil resists weeds and pests. Diseases and pest problems are very rare in a healthy soil. For example, it is very hard for fairy rings and brown patches to propagate in organic soil. The ecosystem for uncontrolled fungal growth does not exist in organic lawn care.

The majority of lawn care companies use synthetic chemicals. These harsh, even toxic, chemicals work directly on the grass blade. The approach is to pump in as much nitrates as the grass can take. This turns the grass greener much faster, but also killing them in the process. It is like an addiction of excess nitrogen. The nitrates in synthetic fertilizer kill microbes that convert organic matter to nutrients. This depletes soil fertility in the long term. That as a result increases reliance on synthetic fertilizers to remain green. A genius-level business model.
How to know if a lawn is healthy? A healthy lawn must have healthy soil. Healthy soil can be best described as something that is moist to the touch even when not irrigated. This supports the development of a healthy grass. A healthy soil resists weeds and pests. Diseases and pest problems are very rare in a healthy soil. For example, it is very hard for fairy rings and brown patches to propagate in organic soil. The ecosystem for uncontrolled fungal growth does not exist in organic lawn care.
The majority of lawn care companies use synthetic chemicals. These harsh, even toxic, chemicals work directly on the grass blade. The approach is to pump in as much nitrates as the grass can take. This turns the grass greener much faster, but also killing them in the process. It is like an addiction of excess nitrogen. The nitrates in synthetic fertilizer kill microbes that convert organic matter to nutrients. This depletes soil fertility in the long term. That as a result increases reliance on synthetic fertilizers to remain green. A genius-level business model.

Why Switch to Organic Lawn Care?
Conventional lawn chemicals are a health and environmental hazard. It pollutes our water and has adverse effects not only to us but also to our pets. A study from Purdue University found adverse association between cancer and dogs. Chemically-treated lawns increased bladder cancer risk in Scottish Terriers four to seven times. This discovery prompts new information about carcinogens in lawn treatments. According to the research done by Lawrence T. Glickman, a professor of epidemiology and environmental medicine in Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine, and other veterinary researchers, "they have discovered a relationship between risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish terriers and the canines' exposure to synthetic compounds found in chemical-based yard treatments." Glickman said, "the danger of transitional cell carcinoma was observed to be somewhere in the range of four and seven times more apparent in exposed animals." They are working on finding the similarity between human and dog genomes. Canine and human genomes could be the key for researchers to find the gene in humans that makes them vulnerable to developing bladder cancer. 

How many humans and canines are affected? 

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 56,000 men and 17,500 women get bladder cancer, and about 12,000 men and 4,700 women die from the disease. 

According to American Kennel Club, bladder cancer in dogs is relatively rare, about 1-2% of all canine cancers. However, it appears to be on the rise as more than 50,000 dogs get affected every year.  

AKC listed the breeds that have the highest risk according to veterinarians:

Scottish Terriers West Highland White Terrier Beagle Shetland Sheepdog Wire Fox Terrier American Eskimo Dog

Other breeds that could also be at risk: ​ Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Bichon Frise Border Collie Parson Russell Terrier Lhasa Apso Rat Terrier Russel Terrier

Environmental Impact
Conventional chemical-based lawn care also impacts our environment. Chemical-based treatments contribute to environmental pollution with excess phosphorus and nitrogen runoff. The nitrogen runoff is suspected to have caused excessive algal blooms. According to The European Physical Journal, "the increasing use of fertilizers in agricultural fields causes more rapid algal growth." They also affect the number of pollinators too. These chemicals tend to reduce the number of flowering plants which results to the amount of food available for native pollinators declining. Chemical-based lawn care has harmful effects to humans, animals, and the environment. The question now is, what is in chemical-based treatments and why are they harmful? 

Here is a list of the most commonly used lawn pesticides:

Herbicides: 2,4-D Benfluralin Clopyralid Dicamba Diquat Dibromide Dithiopyr Fluazipop-p-butyl Glyphosate Imazapyr Isoxaben MCPA Mecoprop (MCPP) Pelargonic Acid Pendimethalin Triclopyr ​Trifluralin

Insecticides Acephate Bifenthrin Carbaryl Fipronil Imidacloprid Malathion Permethrin Trichlorfon

Fungicides Azoxystrobin Myclobutanil Propiconazole Sulfur Thiophanate methyl ​Ziram

The most widely used on lawns are glyphosate, dicamba, mecoprop (MCPP), pendimethalin, pelargonic acid, and trifluralin. Glyphosate is one of the most used herbicides in the United States and has been classified by The International Agency for Research on Cancer as carcinogenic. Glyphosate is seriously harmful that it could disrupt the endocrine and reproductive systems. Another most used pesticide is imidacloprid. It is part of the neonics (Neonicotinoid class). Neonicotinoid pesticides have contributed a lot in putting the bee population at risk of being extinct. 

These chemicals put all of us at risk. That is why we chose not to be part of the chemical spraying industry. Water pollution is a serious problem. And these pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers are contributing to this problem. It is now in your hands as the consumer to vote with your wallet. To the betterment of the environment, wildlife, and human health, you can put an end to the use of toxic chemicals. Start with your lawn. ​

3 Main Advantages of Organic Lawn Care
1. Healthier lawn​ -  organically grown lawns are healthier than chemically treated lawns. Chemically treated lawns are not able to naturally fight pests and diseases, and are vulnerable to drought. This is because chemical treatments like synthetic fertilizers only feed the plant and not the soil. In the long run, the ecosystem of the soil will be harmed, roots will become weak and shallow making them dependent on the next treatment. The effects of synthetic fertilizers are almost instant that they end up burning your lawn due to quick release of nitrogen causing microorganism use up most of the available nutrients for them, and when they finish all the food, they crash down. This will result to poor soil structure

2. Healthier environment - without the use of chemicals on your lawn, wild lands and water sources near you will be saved from the major source of water pollution, chemical runoff. Chemical runoffs happen because chemically treated lawns require more water and fertilizer due to poor soil structure and less organic matter in the soil. People can limit runoff pollution in many ways. One way of doing so is by reducing the amount of synthetic fertilizers.

3. Healthier YOU - organophosphates are the most used insecticides in agriculture, homes, gardens, and veterinary practice. According to CDC, these human-made chemicals can poison living organisms, insects, and people. A  study done by CDC, organophosphates insecticides and their breakdown products known as metabolites were analyzed in urine samples from participants in the Churchill County leukemia. These metabolites are not toxic but exposure to organophosphate compound occurred few days before the test was done. Keeping away from industrial pesticides could save you and your loved ones as exposure to organophosphates is extremely poisonous.  


​Disadvantages of Organic Lawn Care
1. It takes patience and consistency if you are eager to see its results. It will not give you an immediate result unlike when using chemical based treatments that gives an almost instant result due to strong and harsh ingredients in it.

2. It may cost you more initially when switching from conventional to organic lawn care as it is essential for your lawn to detox. More labor and maintenance is needed to help your lawn recover from chemical based treatments. In the long run, when your lawn is established, it will require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.

3. It may be time consuming to apply organic lawn care products as they are often applied by hand.

4. An increased risk of weeds is possible as there is currently no organic weed control products in the market that is proven to be effective. ​

U.S. Organic industry is undeniably growing. According to Economic Research Service U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), consumer demand for organically produced goods continues to grow. This goes to show that more people are becoming more conscious of their health and environmentally responsible. Remember that organic lawn care palys a big part of it. 

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) is a cool season grass used as temporary turf grass for lawns in Austin, Texas. It is cold tolerant, easy to grow, and provides lush, fine textured, green lawn in Fall and Winter. Annual Ryegrass can be often described as an emergency turf to keep the lawn green during the cold season, ready for the holidays, while at the same time acting as a nursing plant that aids perennial grasses coming out of dormancy in Spring. This makes the Annual Ryegrass the king of organic turf management in Austin. On top of this, Annual Ryegrass is a natural way to improve organic weed control. It covers bare soil and absorbs excess nutrients preventing unwanted germination of other seedlings that eliminates the need for synthetic pre-emergent. The Annual Ryegrass root system is also able to cover a large area that alleviates soil compaction and decreases water movement, thereby lessening erosion. We have learned this through the years of exploring natural ways of managing local lawns. All in all, the use of Annual Ryegrass in Austin, Texas should definitely be part of every Austinite's organic lawn care arsenal.

Should you ever need organic lawn care in Austin, feel free to contact us at 844-505-5296.

Normally, we end it here. But we decided to include other types of Ryegrass you should completely ignore if you live in Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas. This will save you time in researching because these types of Ryegrass generally do not grow within our zone. Of course, this is always subject to change based on climate change. Should you live in a specific area where temperature is cooler than usual, then the other types of Ryegrasses may work.

Other types of Ryegrass we do not have in Austin, Texas:

1. Wild Ryegrass
Wild Ryegrass is also called Elymus Triticoides in Latin. Some of the key identifying characteristics of Wild Ryegrass is that it has long flat or rolled leaves. This type of Ryegrass can be planted and used for groundcover and erosion control. Wild Ryegrass is native to western United States from California to Washington state and Montana. 

2. Cereal Ryegrass
Cereal Ryegrass is also called winter rye or grain rye. Cereal Ryegrass is a wheat-like grain. Its seed weighs about 56 pounds per bushel and is larger than annual Ryegrass.  Cereal rye is available in all parts of the United States. 

3. Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium Perenne)
Perennial Ryegrass is  widely used permanent lawn grass. It grows rapidly during fall and spring. Perennial Ryegrass is native to Europe and Asia. 

4. Marshall Ryegrass
Marshall Ryegrass is famous for being a cold-tolerant type of grass. These grasses are easily established and it is used to protect the soil and to manage the weeds. Marshall Ryegrass is a variety that was released by Mississippi State, United States.

5. Italian Ryegrass
Italian Ryegrasses (Lolium Multiflorum) are now designed with winter hardiness because they are sometimes killed by winter. It is a winter annual that is exposed to cold climates to bloom and it has the process of continuous growth of different cycles each year to become mature before they harvest. Italian Ryegrass is native to southern Europe. 

6. Intermediate Ryegrass​
Intermediate Ryegrass from the word itself is one of the fastest turfgrasses that can be established. They are prone to milder climates, can tolerate a climate that’s not as hot but not cold either. Intermediate Ryegrass recommended use would be for grazing or hay/haylage production in northern Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

7. Festulolium Ryegrass
Festulolium is derived from a cross between either Italian or perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue or tall fescue. It is a combination of the high-quality type of ryegrass with good hardiness in winter, persistent and stress-tolerant from fescues.
​

If newly installed grass is turning yellow on isolated areas, there are several potential causes and steps you can take to address the issue.

1. Check soil moisture levels: The first step is to check the moisture levels of the soil in the affected areas. Yellowing can be a sign of both under- and overwatering. If the soil is too dry, increase the frequency or duration of watering, but if the soil is waterlogged or poorly draining, reduce the frequency or duration of watering.
   
2. Check for pests or disease: Yellowing can also be a sign of pests or disease, so it's important to inspect the affected areas for signs of infestation. Pests like grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms can damage the grass and cause yellowing, while diseases like fungal infections can also affect the grass. If pests or disease are identified, you may need to treat the affected areas with appropriate treatments or consult with a professional lawn care service for guidance.
   
3. Check for soil nutrient deficiencies: Yellowing can also be caused by nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen. You can apply a balanced fertilizer to the affected areas, following the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and timing. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to other problems like burning the grass.
   
4. Check for soil compaction: Soil compaction can also cause yellowing by preventing roots from accessing air, water, and nutrients. Aerating the affected areas can help to alleviate soil compaction and promote healthier root growth.
   
5. Monitor and adjust: Finally, it's important to continue to monitor the affected areas and adjust your lawn care practices as needed based on weather conditions and other factors. Be sure to continue watering deeply and infrequently, and adjust your fertilization and pest management practices based on the specific needs of your lawn.
   

In summary, yellowing on isolated areas of newly installed grass can have several potential causes, including soil moisture levels, pests or disease, nutrient deficiencies, and soil compaction. By identifying and addressing these issues through proper lawn care practices, you can promote healthy root growth and ensure a lush, green lawn.

Summer Clean-up
Summer is at its best growing season. That is why we need to have an extra care on our lawn in order to survive the grass well and turn at its luscious green growth because this season also is the stressful part of the season. Periods of drought are experiencing, diseases or even at its worst. By using some techniques, you can achieve a beautiful lawn. What can you do guys to keep your lawn looking good at summer?

Here are some tips on how to care in your lawn this summer:

Mow the lawn

• Mow your lawn regularly during extended dry periods. This is a great start to your lawn as it will be at its good condition. If your grass is experiencing drought, mow at least once a week. While, if your grass is receiving enough amount of rainfall mow at least twice a week.
• The best time to mow is early in the morning or even late in the afternoon as the sun starts to set. When the temperature is cool it gives less stress in the lawn.
• The standard height to keep your lawn at its best is about 2-3 inches. Check its measurement by using a ruler.
• When the temperature is very hot, avoid cutting the grass too short as it can cause weeds and moss in your lawn.
• Check and edge your mower blade after mowing the lawn to know if your blade is blunt or sharp. Sharpened it. If you are not knowledgeable doing that let the professional lawn mowers do that for you.
• Leave your grass clippings on the lawn. This will serve as a fertilizer to your lawn and is the effective way to get back the nutrients to the soil and make them healthy.

Water and Fertilize the lawn

• Regular deep watering is best for your lawn’s health. Water your lawn in the early morning and evening. Before the sun dries up, it allows the grass to soak up in water.
• If possible, use rain water to water your lawn. Get water through rainfall by collecting it and stored in a container. Let it water on your lawn as rain water is soft and ideal.
• Water your lawn enough to keep it from turning brown. Turning brown of your lawn does not mean that your lawn is dry and dying. It only becomes dormant.
• Apply fertilizer if desired, as this makes the soil healthy. Be careful when applying fertilizer in summer because failure to apply it correctly may lead to dryness and dying.

Aerate the lawn

• Aerating the lawn alleviates soil compaction, leads to absorption of air, water and nutrients. It also prevents the fertilizers to leach on our rivers, streams, lakes etc.
• Measure and check the roots before summer because during this season is the period when they will be longer. If it is 1-2 inches deep, aerate it.
• Mechanically aerate the lawn with core aerator. It is performed by extracting ½ — ¾ inch diameter cores of soil and deposit on your lawn. Hole it 1-4 inches deep and 3-6 inches apart. Avoid spikes as these will increase soil compaction.
• Before we aerate the lawn, make sure that the lawn is moist and wait for 1-2 days that is the time you can start aerating. This will give your lawn best results.
• Go all over the lawn aerate it back and forth across the lawn. So that, all the part of your lawn had been through aerating in different directions. This will improve the movement of air, water and nutrients in your lawn.

Weed the lawn

• Spot the weeds around your lawn. Distinguish weeds and if the lawn is not trimmed recently you can easily identify if weeds are recurring now in your lawn.
• Avoid using chemical weed killer instead apply organic weed killer. You can dig it up naturally by using a garden spade or even perform it by hand pulling and trimming.

Fall Clean-up
Fall season is a sign of beautiful grass-green growth. At this time, it is the right decision to work for your lawn. Have to clean them up or grab for a fall clean-up. It is a wise decision to do that to prepare your lawn for the upcoming winter season.

These are the to-do list to achieve a beautiful and healthier lawn:

Soil Test
-check for your lawns soil ph and the availability of nutrients present in the soil by using a soil fertility test. The best soil ph balance commonly used in turfgrass, flowers, and shrubs is between soil ph 6.0 – 7.0. By this season you should start working to restore soil ph balance and promote green and healthy lawns for the upcoming spring.

Fertilize the lawn
-we need to fertilize the lawn because it stimulates root growth to make the soil healthy to have a greener lawn in springtime and yes, it is best to fertilize your lawn in fall because at that time the soil is moist and it helps the turf to absorb the fertilizer easily. It also builds up the stamina of the grass before winter comes. We encourage your lawn to have the plants fertilize at least four times a year. It restores energy to survive especially during winter.

Overseed the lawn
-Fall is the best season to germinate grass seeds. It reduces unwanted weeds and the amount of rainfall and its moisture is much better at fall. Start spreading all over seeds on your lawn especially on thin lawns, roots are established before winter and this will give the lawn thicker and stronger grass when springtime comes.

Fix bare spots

• Bare spots can lead to soil compaction (it is heavy foot traffic), chemical burn, drought, disease, or even weed infestation. Make some repairs on bare spots to avoid weeds that will take root in the soil. While dead grass invites your lawn on diseases. Start to fix at fall because fall temperature affects to support the quick establishment of the lawn and the soil at its moist is best.

Get rid of thatch

• Your lawn will benefit when the thatch is so thin to protect or cover-up the lawn. But when the thatch is so thick that should be removed because it can cause diseases and the movement of air, water and nutrients blocks their passageway. Dethatching is the process of removal of thick barrier pile of organic matter. Remember, never dethatch your lawn in the cold season as this can cause trouble in your lawn.

Aerate lawn with compacted soil
-Fall is a great start to aerate the yards before you overseed. Compacted soil is particles that are compressed together. The air, water, and nutrients are limited throughout the soil. It is mechanically removed by an aerator, making holes out of the lawn and it allows the air, water, and nutrients to pass on the soil. These help the roots to grow deeper and your lawn will become stronger.

Water the lawn well
-Established lawns generally need to water as grass in fall is good to know that it keeps growing. Much of its growth occurs underneath even if you don’t see unnecessary growth changes on top. But as fall arises, you can let rainfall help or even keep your lawn to water regularly.

Mow the lawn regularly

• Keep your lawn trimmed until the grass started not to grow, as it makes the grass healthy when winter arises. Always keep in mind even if cold temperature arises, to mow the grass shorter than normal to avoid winter fungal diseases and scatter the trims out to condition your lawn and can maintain a shorter height.

Weed the lawn
        -Weeds are everywhere even in fall. Fall is at its best time to get rid of weeds because they easily absorb energy and then they will prepare for the upcoming springtime. We can help you to achieve a weed-free lawn. Our services perform hand pulling, trimming, or application of organic soil amendment on existing weeds on your plant beds, pathways, patios, driveways, and sidewalks.
 
Have a leaf clean-up
-Leaves begin to fall so in this season it is the right time to clean-up the leaves in order to prevent diseases. Sometimes we think that leaving the leaves on the lawn is the best way to do but you are wrong. Leaving them behind may cause a big problem and greater damage to your lawn. It is performed by raking the leaves, bag, and compost a large number of leaves while mow and mulch in smaller quantities. Adding that organic matter on your lawn makes the soil enriched and supports microbial growth. Fall is the best time to make use of your extra leaves as compost and it is cheaper than commercial compost.
 
Winter Clean-up
Winter season is a great time to clean up your garden and maintain the beds. By doing so, it will be easier to see weeds that need to be treated or hand-pulled. It also provides a good opportunity for perennials and vegetables to grow in the next season. Additionally, take time to assess your garden and give them that tender love and care they need during this season.
Here are the best practices that you can do in winter to keep your landscape beautiful and healthy:

Prune Shrubs & Trees
Prune shrubs and trees that are dormant during winter. Not only this will help you achieve the shape that you desire when they bloom during the growing the season, this practice will also provide your shrubs and trees enough energy to support new growth. It also helps prevent diseases and insect invasion.
Some of the shrubs that can be pruned in winter:

• Barberries
• Camellias
• Flowering Currants
• Evergreen shrubs (yew, holly, and boxwood)
• Hydrangeas
• Magnolias
• Mallow

 
Some of the trees that can be pruned in winter:

• Chaste Tree
• Fruit Trees (Apple, Cherry, Pear etc.)
• Junipers
• Oak
• Smoke Tree
• Spruce
• Tulip Tree

Clean Plant Beds
It is essential to clean your beds up in winter as this will greatly prepare your garden when spring comes. Treat and pull those nasty weeds out for your plants to have more room to grow, for them to be healthier, and for them to live longer.

Apply Corn Gluten Fertilizer and AACT Treatment
Our Corn Gluten Fertilizer is 100% organic. It is a non-selective all natural fertilizer that we recommend for all types of turf grass and plants. It has pre-emergent tendencies and contains slow release non-burning nitrogen sources. It is proven effective in controlling weeds.
Corn Gluten Fertilizer is best paired with our AACT Treatment. Our AACT Treatment increases breakdown of organic matter, improves soil water retention, and maximizes active beneficial microbial diversity to encourage root growth.

Blow off & Turn off Sprinklers
Shut off your irrigation system before the temperature drops below the freezing point to avoid system damage like pressure build up or leaky and clogged pipes.

Roof and Siding Clearance
Doing roof and siding clearance in winter prevents ice buildup that can lead to water penetration which may highly cause significant structural damage. Heavy snow and ice may cause ventilation issues to your attic. Try to clear heavy snow from your roof to prevent melting snow go through the cracks especially if your roof and siding have foundation issues.

Spring Clean-up
Never neglect your lawn during spring. Taking care of it during this season is one way to prevent weeds from growing. Encourage deep and strong root growth by doing the necessary steps listed below. These steps will keep your lawn healthy and beautiful despite having a hot and dry weather condition.

Yard Clean-up
To ensure fresh and new growth, it is a must to clear and haul away those leaves, fallen trees, branches, and other organic debris. If these debris stay on your lawn for a long time, it may result to pest infestation or diseases.  Keep your family safe by making sure you do not skip spring clean-up. We do not want our kids running around knowing that there might be dangerous pests like snakes, lurking around our yard. This step is the start of getting the beauty and health of your lawn back.
 
Corn Gluten Fertilization
After a long winter, your grass surely needs to replenish their energy and nutrients. This season is a great time for proper fertilization. We all know that growth is faster in spring. Therefore, give the new growth and existing grass all the nutrients they need.
 
Talking about proper fertilization, it is undeniably true that weeds spread uncontrollably. They compete with your previous plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Shoo those nasty seeds away with the help of our organic fertilizer, Corn Gluten Meal. Ideally applied all over your lawn and plants beds. Water immediately afterwards. Give the nutrients time to be absorbed before mowing.
 
Start Mowing!
It is time to dust off and get those mowers out! Before doing so, make sure to assess the height of the grass. Ideally, you start mowing if the height of the grass is already at 3 inches tall. You may want to wait a little longer if the grass is still short. Mowing short grass may be the cause of unwanted disease and pest.
 
Pruning and trimming trees and shrubs
Winter is finally over! Remember to prune excessive growth of a tree or shrub this spring. Do not remove more than 10 percent of the tree’s branches as this may result to disease or insect infestation. Remove dead limbs or branches as these leech off the rest of the healthy ones, stealing the nutrients away from the living and healthy plants. By doing this step, having new growth is out of the question. Shape your tree accordingly.
 
Organic fertilizer for shrubs and trees
Shrubs and trees should never be taken for granted. Just like your lawn, they too require fertilization. Fertilizer is a vital ingredient for healthy growth. Schedule fertilizing your trees and shrubs at least twice a year. Ideally done once in fall and spring.
 
Soil Fertility Test
Before fertilizing your lawn, shrubs, and trees, have your soil tested first. Testing your soil helps you decide whether to fertilize or not. Soil fertility test determines the soil’s pH primary nutrient levels (nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)). The results of this test will definitely help you understand how much fertilizer will be appropriate for any deficiencies in the soil. 

It's important to fertilize a newly installed grass sod at the right time to promote healthy growth and root establishment. The timing of the first fertilizer application will depend on the type of grass you have installed and the specific recommendations of the sod supplier or your local extension office. However, as a general guideline, you should wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after installation before applying fertilizer.
During the first few weeks after installation, the sod will be using its energy and nutrients to establish roots in the soil, so applying fertilizer too soon can actually stress the sod and slow down root establishment. Waiting a few weeks will allow the roots to establish and the sod to settle in before applying fertilizer.
When it is time to fertilize, it's important to use a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer with a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This will help to promote healthy growth and root development without overstimulating the sod or leading to excessive growth that can weaken the grass.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and timing, and apply the fertilizer evenly across the entire lawn. Water the lawn thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help the nutrients to penetrate the soil and prevent them from burning the grass.
After the first fertilizer application, you can continue to fertilize your lawn according to a regular schedule based on the specific needs of your grass and local weather conditions. Be sure to monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your fertilization practices as needed to promote healthy growth and root development.

What is Buffalo Grass?
Buffalo grass as the new lawn alternative, Buchloe dactyloides, is a perennial grass native to North America. In Texas, this grass is found from the south central region to the High Plains region. It requires full sun but can withstand partial shade. It is a warm season grass that becomes dormant in cold temperatures, which may turn brown from mid-fall through mid-spring. Buffalo grass is fine-textured, curly, vibrant, and dark green in color. You can grow buffalo grass lawns by seeding (burs) or laying sod.
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Buffalo grass is dioecious. It has both male and female plants. Male plants contain stamens while female plants contain pistils. These male and female plants produce seeds. Male (Staminate) plants are white-colored, have a flag type, one-sided spike pollen head while female (Pistillate) plants are often green-colored, and have short spikes. Buffalo being a dioecious grass mean it has both male and female plants. Usually found in patches. Poor germination of seeds or burs may affect the production of buffalo grass.

Is Buffalo Grass A Good Grass For Austin Lawns?

Buffalo grass is a common alternative to other types of grass that are commonly used in Austin, namely St. Augustine, Zoysia, Ryegrass, and Bermuda grass.  Good news for Austin homeowners who are looking for a type of grass that requires less irrigation. Buffalo grass could be the perfect one for you as it is drought tolerant and can tolerate extreme temperatures. 

Know more about Bufflograss below:
 
Strengths: Heat and drought tolerant, very cold tolerant, low maintenance, invulnerable to diseases.

Weaknesses: Intolerant of excessive foot traffic, not recommended in high rainfall areas, difficult to establish from seed, intolerant of sandy soils, prone to weed invasion during dormant season

Buffalo Grass Installation
Buffalo grass can be installed anytime of the year but ideally in Spring. Buffalo sod needs to be installed right after it is delivered as it dries out fast especially in hot weather. If the weather is hot on the day of the installation, lay the turf in sections and water each section. It takes about two weeks for the buffalo grass to establish. Ensure proper watering to avoid root rot, diseases, and weeds.​ According to Colorado State University Extension, proper irrigation is crucial during the root formation period.

• Roll out the turf around the area to be laid and press down on the turf to improve contact with the soil.
• Lay each roll next to each other.
• Ensure that all soil is covered.
• Soak the newly installed turf for 10-14 days until established.
• Minimize irrigation as the temperature gets cold.

Buffalo Seeds
It can be difficult to establish buffalo grass from seed as it has often low germination rate. Treated seed germination however is much higher. That is why it is important to treat the seed and should be planted in dry conditions. Ideally during spring and summer. It takes 7 to 10 days for the seed to germinate. Buffalo seeding rate is 1-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet at a depth of half an inch or less. Make sure that the soil to be used is rock and debris free.
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Buffalo Grass Maintenance 
Buffalo grass is low growing, usually reaches about 12 inches long but drapes over which makes the turf appear short. It requires little maintenance. There is no need for frequent mowing and watering as the grass simply needs a moderate amount of moisture. One inch of water per week is enough to maintain a healthy green buffalo grass turf. Buffalo grass can be mowed up to 3 inches high. Although, be mindful of the weeds that buffalo grass tends to get. Regular fertilization and hand weeding are key to this problem.
 
How to repair a damaged buffalo lawn?
As we have mentioned, one of the weaknesses of buffalo grass is that, it is intolerant of excessive foot traffic. Foot traffic by us, and even by our little furry friends may damage our buffalo lawn. Simply because it may cause soil compaction. Once the soil is compacted, it will affect the rate of water infiltration and drainage. 
 
Solution:
Core Aeration and Organic Fertilization! Core Aeration alleviates soil compaction which helps oxygen, water, and nutrients penetrate deeper into the ground. Fertilize every three months, and aerate once or twice a year. Consider re-levelling any lower areas after aerating to avoid lumps and an uneven lawn.  An uneven lawn can be challenging to mow.

Weed Problem?
Buffalo lawns have the ability to resist weeds. But they sometimes grow in buffalo lawns typically in summer and winter. 
 
Solution:
Kill those nasty weeds by pulling them out by hand while they are still small because once they grow bigger and set seed, it becomes difficult to get rid of them.  Control them while you still can as they can spread all over your lawn quickly. If you want to be extra cautious. you can fertilize your lawn using organic fertilizer once every three months.
 
Buffalo grass losing its beautiful color?
Buffalo grass turning brown in cold temperatures or due to poor maintenance is inevitable.
 
Solution:
Proper lawn care maintenance! While buffalo lawns are low maintenance, do not take them for granted. It is important to ensure that you give your lawn the proper care it needs: Regular fertilization, mowing, and correct watering. Water your lawn daily for about 15 minutes per zone if you have irrigation or 30 minutes per area if watering by hand. Especially if it is very hot outside. 
 
Please keep in mind that buffalo grass is only recommended for areas that are not used regularly. It will not grow in areas that are used heavily as it will lead to deterioration of the quality of buffalo grass. 

Organic weeding is important for maintaining a healthy and sustainable garden or landscape without relying on synthetic herbicides or harmful chemicals. Here are some of the key benefits of organic weeding:
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1. Environmental benefits: Organic weeding avoids the use of synthetic herbicides and chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, including groundwater and soil. By using natural and organic methods of weed control, gardeners can promote a healthier and more sustainable environment.
2. Health benefits: Organic weeding also avoids the risks associated with exposure to harmful chemicals found in synthetic herbicides. By using natural methods of weed control, gardeners can reduce their exposure to these harmful substances, promoting better health for themselves and their families.
3. Soil health: Organic weeding can also help to maintain healthy soil by avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals that can disrupt soil ecology and reduce beneficial microorganisms. Natural and organic weed control methods like mulching, hand pulling, and hoeing can help to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the soil.
4. Cost-effective: Organic weeding is also cost-effective, as it avoids the need for expensive synthetic herbicides and chemicals. Natural weed control methods like hand pulling and mulching can be done with basic tools and supplies that are readily available.
5. Long-term benefits: Organic weeding promotes long-term benefits for the garden or landscape by creating healthier soil and reducing the impact of weeds on plant growth. By using natural and organic methods of weed control, gardeners can help to promote a healthier and more sustainable landscape for years to come.

In summary, organic weeding is important for promoting a healthier and more sustainable garden or landscape without relying on synthetic herbicides or harmful chemicals. By using natural and organic methods of weed control, gardeners can promote a healthier environment, reduce health risks associated with synthetic chemicals, maintain healthy soil, save money, and promote long-term benefits for their garden or landscape.

Hauling of organic debris is one of the most difficult and time consuming tasks around the lawn. It is definitely not fun to do. Imagine hauling away tree trimmings on your own. Carrying heavy lawn debris, loading them to your car, travelling to the disposal center, or even buying or renting hauling equipment. Free yourself from any injuries too and leave the work to us. Did you know that you do not just save yourself time when you hire us?  You also save money. How many trips do you need to do from your house to the disposal center if you do the hauling on your own? Gas and toll expenses are obviously not cheap. These are just some of the things you check off the list when you hire professionals. Professionals like us can do the job for you in a timelier and more efficient manner - from collection to disposal. How? We do this day and night, all day, every day, year after year. Imagine us competing with you in your own industry? That's a no contest.​

​One of our recent projects in 2020 was to work on a 3-acre lot to haul away organic tree debris including uprooting massive root balls. It required both manual work such as chopping of tree branches and limbs and the use of excavator for lifting and moving. The organic debris were then safely hauled and properly disposed at the disposal center. A team of two was able to finish this job in 5 hours. Our crews are key to  successfully complete heavy tasks such as this.

And now an afterthought section for DO IT YOURSELFERS, a rarity in our blog. 

Hauling away large trees in land clearing can be a challenging task, but with the right equipment and techniques, it can be done efficiently and safely. Here are the steps to follow when hauling away large trees:

1. Assess the situation: Before hauling away large trees, it's important to assess the situation and identify any potential hazards. Make sure the trees are stable and secure, and identify any obstacles or hazards in the path of the tree removal.
2. Use the right equipment: To haul away large trees, you'll need a variety of equipment, including chainsaws, winches, and heavy-duty trailers. Make sure all equipment is in good working order and that all safety precautions are followed.
3. Cut the tree into manageable sections: Large trees should be cut into manageable sections before hauling them away. This makes it easier to load them onto the trailer and transport them safely. Use a chainsaw to cut the tree into sections, starting from the top and working your way down.
4. Secure the tree sections to the trailer: Once the tree sections are cut, they should be secured to the trailer with chains or straps. Make sure the load is balanced and that the weight is evenly distributed on the trailer.
5. Transport the tree sections: When transporting the tree sections, be sure to follow all safety precautions, including driving slowly and carefully, securing the load with straps or chains, and using caution when turning or stopping.
6. Dispose of the tree sections: Once the tree sections have been transported, they can be disposed of in a variety of ways, including chipping, recycling, or disposal at a landfill or designated facility.

In summary, hauling away large trees in land clearing requires the use of the right equipment and techniques to ensure safety and efficiency. By following these steps, you can safely and efficiently remove large trees and dispose of them in an environmentally responsible manner.

1. Prune + cut shrubs and trees
​Pruning in early fall may also stimulate new growth, which has little time to harden before cold weather comes. 

2. Tidy up the garden: edge it!
​Use a sharp, flat-headed tool, such as a spade, to cut a clean line between the beds and the lawn. This will give your garden a tidy appearance over the winter, and give you a head start on spring's chores.

3. Put in some green
​When the weather changes, some plants break down all the green pigment. Leaves turn yellow or red in fall.

4. Cold Tolerant annuals for Fall Color 
If you live in a climate with frost and cold, these plants will keep your beds and containers lovely as long as possible.

5. Clean-up leaves
​Remove leaves and other plant debris from the lawn. If left on the grass through the winter, a thick pile of debris could cause bare spots and letting them pack down can smother the lawn and create conditions ripe for diseases.