Fix Common Lawn Problems

Problem 1: Dog spots on your turf

Symptoms: Dog spots are round patches about 4 to 8 in. in diameter with dead grass in the middle, encircled by dark green grass. They’re most apparent in the early spring when dormant grass first begins to turn green again.

Cause: Dog urine contains high concentrations of acids, salts and nitrogen, which burn (dry out) the grass roots and kill them. As rain washes the area, the urine is diluted and the nitrogen spreads, causing the grass surrounding the spot to grow faster and turn greener.

Remedy: You have to replant your grass; it won't come back on its own. But first you have to dilute or remove the caustic urine from the soil (Photo 1). Thoroughly soak the area with lots of water. Let the hose run for at least three minutes. Then you can start the replanting process (Photo 2). Add a half-inch of new soil to help absorb any remaining urine (Photo 3). Then you can spread new seed, as we show, or use a commercial yard patch mixture (available at most nurseries or home centers) or even sod. In any case, the secret of good germination is keeping the seed moist. And keep the area moist until the new grass is about 3 in. high.

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Tips for Mulching Your Garden

Mulching the right way cuts gardening chores

In most cases, mulch greatly simplifies your gardening chores. Mulch includes a variety of materials that you use to cover the bare soil in your gardens. Most often you think of it as organic materials such as wood chips, cedar bark and compost, but it also includes materials like stone and gravel. Adding a layer of mulch pays off by:

1. Reducing water loss from the soil. It slows evaporation and improves water absorption when it rains or you turn on the sprinkler.
2. Slowing weed growth.
3. Improving soil quality. Organic types enrich the soil as they decompose.
4. Protecting plant roots from hot and cold temperature extremes and sudden fluctuations.
5. Adding color and texture as part of your overall garden design.

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Pruning Tips for Healthier Bushes

Cut out dead, damaged, diseased and deranged branches

Some arborists call these the 4 Ds. Start with the dead and damaged branches, because they make the plant look bad, and encourage rot and disease. Also cut out wilted, dried or diseased branches as soon as you spot them, to remove the disease before it spreads. “Deranged” includes a broad range of branches that cross (the rubbing wears away the bark), loop down to the ground or simply look out of character with the bush (stick out at an odd angle or grow alongside the trunk). This pruning also thins out the bush, opening its interior to more light and air, which encourages fuller, healthier growth.

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