The Benefits of Overseeding (over seeding) the Lawn? When is the best time to plant grass? Grass Germination

What Minneapolis, MN homeowner hasn’t dedicated several afternoons, evenings and weekends to creating the “perfect” lawn?  There’s no denying that we’d all love a lawn resembling the 18th fairway at the Masters – one that has the neighbors saying, “Wow, check out that lawn,” as they walk by in admiration.

Many elements impact the pursuit of the “perfect” lawn, including the seed mixture used, the soil type for your area, consistent watering, timely application of fertilizer, and lastly, a little help from Mother Nature. Another important element in maintaining a healthy, weed- and insect-free lawn is turf density.

A thick, hearty Minneapolis, MN lawn provides optimum protection against various threats, including weeds, insects, and drought – all of which can bring a host of destructive issues to your property and your pride of ownership. How do you achieve a lawn that is dense in both aesthetic appeal and substance? The answer is overseeding – the practice of sowing additional seed over existing grass to bolster and restore your lawn.

Overseeding is necessary since, over time, the individual grass blades on your lawn weaken and perish with age, thus making it more vulnerable to disease, insects and weeds. Areas in your Minneapolis, MN yard that have been harmed by anything from extreme temperatures to heavy foot traffic also benefit from overseeding. New seed will help eliminate bare spots, re-establish your lawn’s strong foundation and progressively improve its overall health and appearance.

Overseeding Benefits at a Glance:

• Overseeding helps restore weak areas
• New seed adds valuable density to your lawn, creating grass that is thick, lush and healthy
• When combined with aeration, overseeding can help provide a major facelift to thinning and older lawns

The ideal time to overseed your lawn is in the fall when the air is cool and the soil is warm. Affected patches of the lawn should be well raked prior to overseeding in order to remove dead grass and loosen the soil. This promotes the growth of new seeds by providing additional aeration and drainage for water. 

Caring for New Seed

Daily watering of the lawn is required in order to achieve germination of turfgrass seed. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist (but not overly soaked) by lightly sprinkling two to three times a day throughout the required germination period (21-30 days). Once your grass begins sprouting, you can cut down on the amount of water used. Instead, water less frequently, but a little deeper. Be careful not to soak the soil repeatedly or you could encourage turf diseases.

Remember: don’t be deterred by the lack of initial results after putting the seed down. Overseeded areas take approximately one month to re-grow and fully respond to treatment. Be sure to keep up with watering and take note of the progress of troubled areas.

Weed Man Minneapolis, MN is your local expert when it comes to fall aeration and overseeding. Our technicians only use the best methods for laying seed, ensuring that your lawn achieves its maximum potential – now and in the spring. Contact us today at (651) 456-9696 to find out how we can help green up your yard. 

Brought to you by Weed Man Minneapolis, MN Lawn Care: we care for your lawn. 

Check out our website http://minneapolis.weedmanusa.com

How Does Mechanical Core Aeration Work? When and How Often Should Core Aeration be Performed? Help your Minnesota Lawn Breath!

Minneapolis, MN Fall Aeration

Help Your Lawn Breath

After an all-too-brief summer, fall has arrived in Eagan. It’s time to help your lawn recover after a season of unpredictable conditions, increased foot traffic, and a long line of environmental stresses. Not sure where to start? Weed Man Minneapolis, MN’s core aeration will help give your lawn a much-needed boost before the arrival of winter, allowing your turf to look and perform its best come next growing season.

Why Do I Need to Aerate My Minneapolis, MN Lawn?                                                                                   

• Aeration will overcome a compacted soil. Compacted soils make it difficult for roots to grow and limit the movement of air, moisture and fertilizer throughout the soil.
• Aeration will improve your water requirements. By relieving soil compaction, water penetration is increased and water runoff is reduced.
• If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch (dead and decaying plant tissue between the soil’s surface and green vegetation), core aeration will help by punching through that layer. This will improve air, water and nutrient penetration.
• Aeration will enhance the development of a deep root system. A deeply rooted lawn is healthier and better able to withstand drought, disease and insect stress.

How Does Mechanical Core Aeration Work?

Aeration equipment consists of a series of hollow coring tines. When these tines are rolled over the lawn, they puncture the soil, removing small soil plugs. The equipment is compact and can easily be used in confined areas.

The cores of soil and thatch are pulled up by the machine and left on the lawn, as they contain beneficial micro-organisms that will help break down any remaining thatch. These cores will disappear back into the lawn within 7-14 days or after the first mowing. Raking the cores to break them up will speed up the process.

When and How Often Should Core Aeration be Performed?

Core aeration may be performed once or twice per season – frequency greatly depends on the condition of the lawn. Minneapolis, MN lawns featuring very thick thatch layers or heavily compacted soil may want to consider two aerations per year. Aerations are usually done in the spring and the fall when the soil is moist. Weed Man of the Twin Cities performs aeration in the fall only to minimize interference with pre-emergent. 

If you have a newly sodded lawn, aeration is still a crucial step in caring for your turf. When new sod is laid, there is also a layer of soil that is added. This soil does not always match up with the existing soil on your property, resulting in layering problems two to three years after sodding. Aeration minimizes layering issues and aids in the health and vitality of new turf.

Customers who have damaged areas from drought, disease or insect damage also benefit from core aeration. Overseeding immediately following aeration enhances germination by allowing seeds to drop down into the holes left on the lawn.

Brought to you by Weed Man Minneapolis, MN Lawn Care: we care for your lawn. Call (651) 456-9696 or request an online quote to find out how we can help your lawn look its best.

Rust Diseases are Very Common on the Lawn in September and October. Why is there Yellow or Orange Powder in my Grass?

Weed Man Lawn Care 651-456-9696

Rust Diseases in the Fall!

It is now fall and the leaves are beginning to fall. Why is there orange or yellow in my lawn? Quite possibly the work of lawn rust typically found in September and October. Please check out this great article by the University of Minnesota Extension Service. 

Free No Obligation Quote!

Weed Man Lawn Care in Early 2014 Opened a New Office in Roseville, MN to Better Serve the Northern Suburbs of Minneapolis and Saint Paul

Introducing Our New Roseville, MN Location to Better Serve the Minneapolis and St. Paul Northern Suburbs!

We are ecstatic and extremely proud to bring on our new Roseville location. We are sending Weed Man’s top manager, to head all north suburbs operations. The move was initiated by our growing customer base and the need to respond quickly and efficiently in the northern suburbs. Nick will be managing a great group of technicians dedicated to providing the best service. “We are all excited about the opening and being able to better serve our customers,” said Nick.

We appreciate all your support and your word of mouth marketing that has made all of this growth and expansion possible! 

For quality lawn care call 651-456-9696

Now the north can better enjoy a beautiful, kid safe and pet safe lawn for the years to come!

"Originally found in our newsletter February 2014 time frame." 

Find Competent Help for your Lawn Care Needs! Quality Experienced Lawn Service for Fertilizing and Weed Control in Minnesota!

Finding an expert in the lawn care industry can be a challenge. Our team has unmatched expertise on lawns. Our trained staff includes leaders in the industry who have earned: PhD, Masters, and multiple other degrees in Soil Science, Agronomy, Turf Management and Business. Weed Man is proud to have team members communicating knowledge. We share our knowledge with you!

With this knowledge and expert attention to customer service, Weed Man is able to shine where others may just spray products on your lawn and hide when you have a question. Let the professionals help you have the lawn you desire. Call Weed Man of the Twin Cities Today!

651-456-9696

http://minneapolis.weedmanusa.com

Winterizing lawn tips from MDA MN... Why do leaves change color link and fall lawn care tips. Weed Man Lawn Care Eagan Minnesota

 Why do leaves change color?

The leaves are beginning to fall and winter is fast approaching!

Here's a helpful list from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to make sure your lawn is ready for what's to come.

Click the link to make sure you’re ready!

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/waterprotection/lawntips.aspx

Posted by: Jess

651-456-9696

http://minneapolis.weedmanusa.com

What is Bull Thistle? Pokey Weed In My Lawn.... Call Minneapolis Weed Man for help!

Bull Thistle

Bull Thistle is also known as Spear Thistle.

♣   Bull Thistle, like many thistles, is a biennial.

♣   Bull Thistle forms a rosette of leaves at the base which blocks sunlight to the turf preventing growth.

♣   Bull Thistle can grow from 1-6 feet tall.

♣   Bull Thistle forms flowers from June to October and seeds are distributed by animals and wind.

♣   Bull Thistles appear in a wide range of growing conditions.

Cultural Practices

♣   In the early spring you can physically remove individual plants by cutting below the crown. It should be removed prior to flowering to prevent seed development and distribution.

♣   Having a good fertilization and weed control program can improve turf and resist infestations.

Fun Facts

♣   Bull Thistle is food source for many animals. Eastern Cottontails and Whitetail Deer eat the leaves and stems. Many pollinating birds and insects love these weeds since they have a high yield of nectar.

♣   Bull Thistle flowers are commonly used by florists in arrangements due to their contrasting color and texture.

If you are experiencing Bull Thistle in your lawn please contact the office at 651-456-9696 or weedmanmpls@gmail.com and we will assist you.

Lawn Care in Eagan, MN Headquartered in Dakota County Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities is eager to help! 651-456-9696 Serving Minneapolis and St. Paul Metros

Lawn Care in Eagan, MN   Headquartered in Dakota County Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities is eager to help! 651-456-9696 Serving Minneapolis and St. Paul Metros

We are now expanded and added another hub office to serve a larger area in the metro. 

Join us on Facebook!

Free Online Quote!

See what is on Pinterest?

Where to get Core Aeration in Minneapolis and St. Paul? Minnesota Aeration Services! Call Weed Man Lawn Care Today at 651-456-9696

The How and Why of Core Aeration
What is core aeration?

• Core aeration is the removal of small cores of soil and thatch from your lawn.

Why aerate your lawn?

• Aeration is beneficial for your lawn in a number of ways. Aeration will overcome a compacted soil. Compacted soils make it difficult for roots to grow, limiting the movement of air, moisture and fertilizer through the soil.
• Aeration will reduce your water requirements. By relieving soil compaction, water penetration is increased and water run-off is reduced.
• If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch, aeration will punch through that layer and improve air, water and nutrient penetration. This will enhance the development of a deep root system. A deeply rooted lawn will be healthier and better able to withstand drought, disease and insect stress.

What is Thatch?

• Thatch is a layer of undecomposed living and dead plant parts which restricts root development and forms a good harbor for disease and insects.

Your Weed Man can probe your lawn to determine how thick your thatch layer is. A desirable thatch thickness is ½ inch or less.

How is aeration done?

• Specially designed aeration equipment consists of a series of hollow coring tines. When these tines are rolled over the lawn, they puncture the soil, systematically removing small soil plugs. The equipment is compact and can easily be used in confined areas.
• The cores of soil and thatch are pulled up by the machine and left on the lawn, as they contain beneficial microorganisms that will help to break down the remaining thatch.
• They will disappear back into the lawn in seven to 10 days or with the first mowing. Raking the cores to break them up will speed up their disappearance from the lawn surface.

When should aeration be done?

• The frequency of aeration depends on the condition of the lawn.
• Aeration may be done 1 or 2 times a season. It is usually done in the spring and in the fall when the soil is moist. Weed Man of the Twin Cities finds fall aeration to work better and opts to do there aerations in the fall.

Ask your Weed Man for an analysis and to make recommendations for a healthier more beautiful lawn!




Click Here for Aeration Video!


Weed Man of the Twin Cities provides lawn care in Apple Valley ,lawn care in Eagan , lawn care in Hastings , lawn care in Plymouth , lawn care in Minnetonka , lawn care in Burnsville , lawn care in Lakeville , lawn care in Edina , lawn care in Richfield , lawn care in St. Paul , lawn care in Minneapolis , lawn care in Bloomington , lawn care in St. Louis Park , lawn care in Vadnis Heights , lawn care in Eden Prairi , lawn care in Cottage Grove , lawn care in Vadnais Heights, lawn care in Adnover , lawn care in Woodbury , lawn care in Savage , lawn care in Osseo , lawn care in Inver Grove Heights, lawn care in Prior Lake , lawn care in Farmington , lawn care in Brookly Park , lawn care in Brooklyn Center , lawn care in Shakopee , lawn care in Rosemount , lawn care in Lillydale , lawn care in Lakeland , lawn care near Lake Minnetonka , lawn care near Farmington , lawn care near Apple Valley and areas in between.

Call 651-456-9696  or Online for a Free No-Obligation Quote!

Lawn Care Aeration | Weed Man Professional Call Your Minneapolis - St. Paul Minnesota Weed Man Today at 651-456-9696

Weed Control from Weed Man Lawn Care!

Weed with little white flowers, maybe Chickweed, Chickenwort, Crachens,or Winterweed? Common Minnesota Weeds!

Common Chickweed     (Steilaria media)

Also known as: Mouse-ear Chickweed, Chickenwort, Crachens, and Winterweed.

♣   Common Chickweed is an annual that germinates in the fall.

♣   Common Chickweed grows in moist shady areas and spreads by both creeping stems and seeds.

Cultural Practices

♣   Increasing sun light to the soil/turf and improving drainage by aerating will reduce Common Chickweed issues.

♣   Healthy turf accompanied by a precise fertilization and weed program will help outcompete and prevent the spread of Common Chickweed.

Fun Facts

♣   Common Chickweed is used as leaf vegetables in salads. It is also commonly used in a Japanese spring-time symbolic dish called “Nanakusa-no-sekku.”

♣   Modern herbalists have prescribed Common Chickweed for skin diseases such as cuts, burns, and bruises.

Call WeedMan 651-456-9696  Serving in Minneapolis and St. Paul Metro's.  

Join us on FACEBOOK

J

What is Carpetweed? Also known as: Bog Goldenrod, Green Carpetweed, Indian Chickweed, and Devil’s Grip? Now in Minnesota Lawns! Call 651-456-9696

Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities
651-456-9696

Carpetweed

(Mollugo verticillata)

Also known as: Bog Goldenrod, Green Carpetweed, Indian Chickweed, and Devil’s Grip.

♣   Carpetweed is an annual weed with many small white flowers.

♣   Carpetweed is a late germinating weed that can be missed by early weed control treatments.

♣   Carpetweeds spread by their seeds that form in a red to orange colored egg-shaped capsule.

♣   Carpetweed can be found in a variety of environmental conditions.

Cultural Practices

♣   The best way to control Carpetweed is to keep it from germinating.

♣   Carpetweed may be pulled by hand, but use of a broadleaf herbicide in the early to mid-summer is the most effective.

♣   A strong turf accompanied by a fertilization and weed control program will help the turf outcompete and prevent weeds.

Fun Facts

♣   Carpet weed is a fast-adapting weed. Originating in tropical climates, it can now be found in cool season areas too.

♣   The entire plant may be cooked and eaten as a potherb or added to vegetable soups during the last minutes of cooking.

If you experiencing carpetweed in your lawn please contact the office and we will assist you anyway we can.

651-456-9696 or minneapolis@weedmanusa.com

Click Her for a Free No-Obligation Quote!

Really ugly bright green grass? What is Crab Grass? Neon grass?

Crabgrass

(Digitaria sanguinalis)

Family: Poaceae

Also known as: Large Crabgrass

Crabgrass is a summer annual that germinates when the temperature of the soil reaches a consistent 55 Degrees Fahrenheit and is generally killed by the first frost. Crabgrass leaves are rolled in the bud. They first appear wide, short, and blunt-tipped. Crabgrass is light green in color, coarse bladed, and will root at the nodes when they touch the ground. A single crabgrass plant can produce up to 700 tillers. It is a bunch type grass. It can also produce 150,000 seeds. It needs warm soil and sunlight to germinate. Crabgrass can be found throughout the United States.

Do not seed, core aerate or verticut when the soil and weather conditions are prime for the germination of crabgrass. By doing a slightly raised mowing height may help prevent the establishment by providing shade from sunlight. When crabgrass is going to seed, lower the mower height and collect the clippings to prevent seeds from establishing. Often confused with Quack grass which is darker in color and cannot be eliminated with a pre- or post- emergent products. 

Call 651-456-9696 or go online for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

Large Leafed Weed! Weed with really big leaves! Plantain weed in Minnesota!

Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)

Also known as: Greater Plantain, Buckhorn Plantain, and Pale-seed Plantain.

♣   Broadleaf Plantain is a perennial weed found in most growing conditions.

♣   Broadleaf Plantain’s large oval leaves outcompete turf by reducing sunlight.

♣   Broadleaf Plantain has a rat-tail like seed head, with flowers along the upper half.

♣   Broadleaf Plantain spreads by root shoots and seeds, which many animals eat.

Cultural Practices

♣   Roots must be completely removed; otherwise a new plant can grow from root fragments.

♣   Setting the mower at a higher height will help to shade out the plant and prevent it from growing.

♣   Aeration, fertilization, and an aggressive weed program will help turf outcompete Broadleaf Plantain.

Fun Facts

♣   Broadleaf Plantain is one of the most abundant and widely distributed medicinal crops in the world. It can be applied to wounds, stings, and sores. It also has antibacterial properties.

♣   Broadleaf Plantain is highly nutritious. It is high in calcium and vitamins C, K, and A, which is why some areas of the world eat the younger leaves raw.

♣   In survival situations the fibers from a mature plant can be used to make small cords, fishing line, sutures, and braiding.

If you are experiencing Broadleaf Plantain in your yard, please contact the office at 651-456-9696 or weedmanmpls@gmail.com and we will assist you any way we can.

Weed Man Lawn Care

“We care for your lawn”

Little Purple Flowers in My Lawn? Wild Violets in Grass? Dealing with Violets and Fun Facts in the Twin Cities Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Wild Violets (Viola papilionacea)

Also known as; Common Blue Violet, Meadow Violet, or Hooded Violet.

♣   Wild Violets are perennial with flowers similar to pansies.

♣   Wild Violets reproduce from seeds or roots.

♣   Wild Violets thrive in part/full shaded areas.

♣   Wild Violets are difficult-to-control since they have waxy leaves, and are resistant to many common herbicides.

♣   Wild Violets often invade lawns adjacent to wooded areas or in new developments.

Cultural Practices

♣   Wild Violets can be removed by digging up the plant with the entire root system.

♣   Wild Violets require a series of post-emergent herbicide treatments to reduce infestations.

♣   Utilizing proper fertilization and weed control procedures will help turf outcompete Wild Violets and prevents future outbreaks.

Fun Facts

♣   The flowers of Wild Violets are commonly used in culinary preparation. They are used to decorate salads or used in stuffing for poultry and fish.

♣   In France, candied violet flowers are produced commercially, eaten by hundreds-of-thousands of people, and are a delicacy called “Violettes de Toulouse.”

♣   Wild Violets are often used within the perfume industry. They are known to have a “flirty” scent as its fragrance comes and goes. 

Contact you local Weed Man for help! 651-456-9696 or online CLICK HERE! 

What is Core Aeration? What is it called when they put holes in my grass? Compacted soil in Minneapolis / St. Paul Minnesota!

    

    Technically speaking, aeration is the naturally occurring process of air exchange between the soil and its surrounding atmosphere. Practically speaking, aeration is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch and soil from the lawn to improve natural soil aeration. It’s commonly called “core aeration” in the lawn service industry, and you may have heard of it as soil cultivation (coring, spiking and slicing). Most often it is simply called aeration. 

Core aeration can help make your lawn healthier and reduce its maintenance requirements through these means:

1. Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere.

2. Enhanced soil water uptake.

3. Improved fertilizer uptake and use.

4. Reduced water runoff and puddling.

5. Stronger turfgrass roots.

6. Reduced soil compaction.

7. Enhanced heat and drought stress tolerance.

8. Improved resiliency and cushioning.

9. Enhanced thatch breakdown. 

Call Weed Man at 651-456-9696 today or go on line http://minneapolis.weedmanusa.com

Minnesota Season Long Lawn Care, including Minneapolis and St. Paul Metro Areas!

*Our Standard Program*

All application timing is weather pending

1. Spring fertilization:  The nutrients in this fertilizer will help green up your lawn and bring it out of winter dormancy. Precipitation (including snowfall) will help breakdown the fertilizer and release the nutrients into the soil.

2. Broadleaf weed and pre-emergent crabgrass control: It will take up to 14 days before the weeds begin to show signs of dying. This application also will help prevent crabgrass from emerging and help reduce the amount seen throughout the year. Weeds will then begin to curl and turn color when effected. Rain won’t affect this application unless it occurs immediately after it was applied. 

3. Early summer fertilization:  The nutrients in this fertilizer will help keep the lawn green as well as help the turf store nutrients for the up and coming summer heat.  The fertilizer can stay on the lawn while dry without harming it. We also spot spray for any weeds in the lawn

4. Late summer fertilization:  The nutrients in this fertilizer will help bring the lawn out of summer dormancy and help green up the lawn as we head into the fall. The fertilizer can stay on the lawn while dry without harming it.  However, the fertilizer will not start to work until it is watered in or until precipitation brakes it down.  We also spot spray for any weeds in the lawn. 

5. Late season weed control: It will take up to 14 days before the weeds begin to show signs of dying. Weeds will then begin to curl and turn color when effected. Rain won’t affect this application unless it occurs immediately after it was applied. 

6. Winterizing fertilizer:  The nutrients in this fertilizer will allow the lawn to store enough energy for the upcoming winter and help your lawn look its best next spring.  As long as the fertilizer has been applied before the ground completely freezes, it will work properly.  Leaf cover will normally not affect the granular fertilizer.  In just a couple days wind, precipitation (including snowfall), and gravity will help push the fertilizer down to the soil. 

A standard program comes with free reapplications for weeds as needed, free crabgrass post-emergent treatments, and free inspections for when you have specific issues that need further investigation. For more information contact our office at 651-456-9696 or minneapolis.weedmanusa.com

Ants in the lawn? Got Ants! Let Weed Man Lawn Care Help! Serving Lakeville, Apple Valley out to Stillwater and Plymouth. (large service area) Minneapolis / St.Paul Metros

ANT CONTROL

Damage:

Ants don't directly damage turf, but they do construct nests, which are often visible in home lawns as dome-shaped mounds of soil. The mounds tend to be in sunny open locations in lawns, but can also be found in cracks of side walks, around trees, under pavement and buildings, and occasionally indoors.  The best control for ants is to treat the parent colony, which inhabits the queen, as well as many satellite colonies as possible.



Weed Man Lawn Care is able to help you control these insects as well as many others. 

Please contact us today to get more information and options.