Richmond Lawn aeration

Aeration in Richmond, VA

Like most people, you probably know that Jamestown, Virginia was one of the original 13 Colonies. But did you know that it was established for the sole purpose of cultivating silk? Silk was once the state's primary export, and it was one of the nation's main exports to England. After a fungus destroyed the mulberry trees that produced silk, however, the state's economy transitioned to tobacco as a cash crop instead. The change was so successful that today, tobacco remains one of the most essential parts of Virginia's economy. To ensure its volume and quality of tobacco, special care and maintenance is required to keep the plants looking their best. Even though you might not be using your own property for commercial tobacco production, you can also take steps to keep your yard in top shape. In addition to preventing an eyesore for your neighbors, creating a healthy lawn translates to less maintenance and a lower cost of lawn care. It can even boost your home's curb appeal, which in turn increases its property value.

Lawn Care in Richmond

No matter where you live and what kinds of grass you have, your lawn will need some sort of maintenance to look its best. But if you plant grass species that are native to the area and follow a recommended maintenance schedule, your lawn maintenance requirements should be minimal. Virginia, explains scientists at Virginia Tech, is a transition zone. This means it supports both warm-season and cool-season grasses. The advantage of a transition zone is that it gives you more options for diversity in your lawn. It also means, however, that deviations in regular temperature patterns (such as an exceptionally long, cold winter or an unusually hot and dry summer) can impact the health of the grass that you plant. You'll need to take the time to make sure you give your lawn extra care and attention during times of stress. This may include watering, fertilizing, and aerating your lawn more frequently.

If you're inexperienced with lawn care, one of the most basic (and most important) aspects of lawn maintenance is learning when and how to water. This depends mostly on the species of grass that you have and the grass's maturity level. Many seedlings, for instance, require more water than grass that is already established. You may be able to fertilize your grass too, but you might also need a professional's assistance, as learning to apply the right amount of fertilizer at the right time can be difficult. The third aspect of lawn maintenance is aeration. Aeration is a process that brings more water, nutrients, and oxygen to the grass in your lawn. It is a technique used to alleviate soil compaction, stimulate grass growth, and even cut down on the time and cost of watering.

If your lawn consists primarily of warm-season grasses, the best time to aerate is in late spring. When aerating the lawn, you should put plugs in the soil that are at least three or four inches deep. The number of plugs that you put in your lawn varies based on the size of your property. In general, the standard volume is 16 holes for every square foot of lawn. Once the plugs are put into place, they open up a passageway under the surface of the soil where water and nutrients can flow more freely.

Ideally, a lawn should be aerated at least once annually. However, it may need to be aerated more frequently for best results. The primary goal of aeration is to deliver more oxygen into the soil. This, in turn, stimulates grass growth and prevents soil compaction. Soil compaction primarily happens from foot traffic. However, driving over your lawn or allowing pets to run on the grass can damage the grass and compact the soil, too. Aeration also brings more nutrients to the soil and enables the growth of new grass on the lawn. It also prevents the buildup of thatch on the surface, which is a layer of dead leaves, grass, and other organic debris that piles up.

Whether you aerate your lawn once a year or seasonally, you know it's something to put on your "to-do" list. But with so much to do around Richmond, you'll want to add some fun activities, events, and destinations to your calendar, too. Rain or shine and indoors or outside, here are some essential Richmond spots to discover.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

From historic collections to modern exhibits, this diverse art museum has something for everyone. Asian and antique art collections are the primary features of the museum. You'll also find works by Picasso and Goya. Ancient Egyptian artwork is on display at the museum, too. Along with its permanent exhibits, the museum has many unique collections that pass through as well.

Maymont Mansion

Surrounded by wildlife, stunning gardens, and a professionally landscaped property, Maymont Mansion showcases Richmond's natural and manmade life at its best. Maymont was constructed in the 19th century and once served as a home for high-profile local residents. Now, the 100-acre property serves as a public park, and the mansion has been converted to a museum. A nature center, a children's farm, and wildlife exhibits are other highlights of the mansion.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

If you need inspiration for your lawn, a visit to this botanical garden is essential. This property covers more than 50 acres to explore. This includes many themed gardens, a conservatory, and numerous dining options. While there is something to see in every season, springtime is especially spectacular for catching new blooms.

Virginia is a great place to live for many reasons. Full of historical and modern attractions alike, there is something to enjoy in the Richmond area for all ages. With its varied climate, Virginia is also a great place to grow plants and flowers. Establishing a beautiful lawn takes work, however. If you are ready to get the lawn of your dreams, contact Lawn Love, Richmond's local lawn care experts. With knowledge in all aspects of lawn care and maintenance, your Lawn Provider will get your lawn in top shape and keep it that way.