Best Practices for Watering Your Lawn in Madison, WI

 If you're trying to maintain a lawn in Madison, either for a home or a residential property, we don't have to tell you it's a tricky business. Our weather can have extremes of temperature - sweltering in the summer, freezing in the winter - with some unusual properties to the soil as well. A great Madison lawn care service can help, but it's best to know some basic best practices for maintaining your own lawn.

So, let's dig into the topic and talk about the best ways to water and maintain your Madison lawn. This will help it stay looking great, in between visits from professional lawn care experts.

I. Understanding Wisconsin Soil and Water Properties

The amount of water that can be held by a particular kind of soil is called its holding capacity, or field capacity. This actually tends to come in layers, since soil is typically diverse as you move downwards. One layer of soil must reach its holding capacity before significant amounts of water can filter downward to the next layer.

This holding capacity varies depending on the type of soil, as well as how compacted it is. Sandy soil can hold much less water than clay, for example. So, it's important to know the type of soil you have, to gauge how much water to use.

In general, over-watering is less harmful than under-watering, but it can harm the lawn still.

II. Know Your Grass Root Depth

For grass to grow properly, its roots need to have access to nutrient-holding water throughout their length. This is something that's often overlooked, and it's why a person might have weak or withered grass despite frequent watering. If they aren't using enough water for it to penetrate all the way to the bottom of the grass's roots, the grass will still lack enough water.

There are many grass types being used around Wisconsin, but here's a quick guide to the root depth of some of the most common, in order of depth:

● Annual bluegrass: 1-4 inches

● Creeping bentgrass: 4-18 inches

● Colonial bentgrass: 9-18 inches

● Kentucky bluegrass: 9-30 inches

If you don't know what type of grass is on your lawn, a Madison lawn care service can quickly identify it for you, as well as investigate your soil type(s). This is vital information, particularly if you have grass with extensive root systems that need a lot of water to thrive.

III. The Impact of Madison's Climate on Watering

Madison's wide range of temperatures creates new problems for watering. Summer can quickly dry out your lawn, while the deep freeze of winter can cause ice to build up underground - especially if there's a surprise snap freeze, which we also see. Frequent wind will also dry out your lawn, although it's possible to use some greenscaping techniques to minimize the effect of wind on your lawn.

If you're in doubt about how dry your lawn is, just test it! This is simple to do, just take a small spade or trowel or similar sharp implement and push it into the ground, then pull it back out. You should be able to see the moisture on the blade, and it will also be easier to push through damp soil. Make sure to test this in several areas of your lawn too. Any sloping effects can concentrate water to a specific area of your yard. 

If the top 3-4 inches are dry, it's certain that your lawn is too dry and it's time to add water.

IV. Other Madison Lawn Care Tips

1 - Water in the morning, or late at night

There's typically more wind in the afternoon and evening, so it's best to water your lawn outside of those times. You should also avoid watering during the middle of the day because you’ll experience more evaporation with the warmer temperature. 

2 - Aerate your lawn once a year

Lawn aeration is the process of scooping small thin chunks of soil out of the lawn, so that it's easier for air, water, and nutrients to make their way to the lower levels of the root system. This is particularly helpful if you have dense soil, such as clay, which resists proper water penetration.

This solves runoff problems, as well as ensuring your lawn grows lush and green every year.

3 - Pay attention to your lawn quality

Your grass will tell you if it needs water! As grass dehydrates, first it becomes less resilient - it won't spring back up after you walk on it. Over time, the grass's color will also fade from a vibrant green to duller greens, yellows, and browns. Once it becomes brown, it's nearly dead.

Western Landscape Can Maintain Your Madison Lawn

If you're having difficulty keeping your Madison lawn happy and healthy, Western Landscape can help! We have years of experience helping homes and businesses keep their lawns looking amazing, with a variety of lawn care, aeration, planting, and green-scaping services.

Whether you just need regular lawn maintenance, or you're looking to reshape your lawn into something amazing, Western Landscape can make it happen. Contact us to learn more!

The Benefits of Hiring a Madison, WI, Snow Removal Service

One of the biggest threats to businesses in Madison is the amount of snow our state typically gets every winter. Snow can pile up quickly, and that's a big problem for anyone managing a business or residential property. It blocks up your avenues of traffic, inconveniences visitors and locals, and creates liability headaches.

That's why it's truly best to hire a Madison snow removal service to handle snow cleanup. Professionals can do a faster job, and at reasonable rates. There's really no downside.

Let A Professional Madison Snow Cleanup Company Handle Your Snow Drifts

✔ Fast cleanup with dedicated machinery

Trying to manually clean up snow, even on a small property, can require hours of backbreaking labor. Even small residential snowblowers won't speed it up by much. On the other hand, a professional snow removal company has dedicated snowplows and scoopers who can do the job in a fraction of the time. This means far less inconvenience, and a lesser chance for someone to accidentally slip and fall.

✔ Cost-effective spending

Because manual snow removal is so difficult, it's typically cheaper in the long run to hire a service to handle the cleanup. Sure, your employees could do it - but that's all they'll be doing for most of the day, and who's doing everything else in the meantime? Plus having your business blocked off by snow for hours could put a dent in your traffic.

✔ Reduce legal liabilities

For property managers, in particular, the biggest benefit to professional snow removal is that it will significantly reduce any potential slip-and-fall liabilities. Pros will always do an excellent job, as well as being proof that you're engaging in best practices to protect your workers and residents. Plus, liability aside, nobody wants accidents occurring on their property. Fast, effective, professional snow cleanup keeps everyone safe, and there's no putting a price on that.

Snow Removal & More

In the winter, Western Landscape becomes your go-to source for excellent and affordable snow and ice removal services in Madison, WI. Don't let yourself get snowed in! Contact us whenever you need your property cleaned up.

The Overlooked Benefits of Lawn Aeration in Madison, WI

Whether you're maintaining a lawn for your own home in the Madison, WI area or for a residential property, one of the best practices is lawn aeration. Lawn aeration - combined with overseeding - can produce amazingly lush green lawns that people love. Unfortunately, not everyone knows about this practice, even though they should.

So, let's talk about lawn aeration and why it's worth doing once a year, in the fall.

What Is Lawn Aeration?

In short, lawn aeration involves the removal of small thin sections of soil and thatch throughout your lawn. These are typically around an inch or so across, and a few inches deep, down to approximately the bottom of the roots of your grass. 

Opening these holes up allows for much more air, water, and nutrients to make their way down to the root system of your lawn. This allows the grass to grow in extremely healthy conditions. This can be combined with overseeding - spreading seeds on top of the lawn and into the aeration holes, to encourage thicker lawn growth.

For lawns that look patchy and have thin spots scattered around, lawn aeration and overseeding in Madison can reinvigorate the lawn!

Aeration Brings Numerous Benefits

This is a true whole-lawn health solution which improves the quality of your lawn in numerous ways.

1. Richer, thicker grass

Because your grass has easy access to air, water, and nutrients, it's going to be much healthier than grass growing in depleted soil. The overseeding process also helps replace grass which has withered and died, revitalizing your lawn in one stroke.

2. Reducing soil compaction

If your grassy areas see a lot of foot traffic - such as green spaces in residential communities – that results in soil compaction which is bad for the grass. The aeration process relieves some of this compaction, making the soil looser. This, in turn, makes it easier for your grass roots to find their way through the soil.

3. Reducing thatch

Thatch is a layer of dead plant matter, mixed with living roots and shoots, which can build up around the soil's surface. A small amount of thatch can be healthy and contribute needed nutrients to the soil, but too much can begin to choke your lawn out. Aeration removes and breaks up much of the thatch, preventing this.

4. Promoting new growth

Finally, the aeration and overseeding process helps add new growth to your lawn, which removes some of the stress on your existing grass. New seeds have a better chance to take hold and grow, resulting in a far more green and lush lawn once they grow in the spring.

Western Landscape

Western Landscape provides affordable lawn aeration and overseeding services in Madison, WI, and the surrounding area. Fall is the perfect time to aerate, so contact us for an appointment!

7 Benefits of Hiring Snow Removal Services this Winter

 

As the cold months approach and snow spells are on the horizon, the need for reliable snow removal services becomes important. Whether it's your home's driveway or your business's parking lot, having a clear and safe passage is essential. Here, our team at Western Landscape the benefits of hiring professional services!

The Benefits of Hiring Professional Snow Removal Services

Reliable and Timely Service

Professional snow removal services have the equipment, manpower, and experience needed to clear your property promptly. They monitor weather forecasts closely and are ready to tackle the snow as soon as it falls. This means you won't have to worry about waking up to a snowy driveway or icy walkway, as they'll be on top of it.

Safety First

Safety always comes first at Western Landscape! Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions that increase the risk of slips, falls, and accidents. Hiring our professionals ensures that your property is properly cleaned and treated to prevent these risks. They have the right tools and techniques to remove snow without damaging surface.

Proper Equipment

Removing heavy snow requires specialized equipment like plows, snow blowers, and shovels. Professional snow removal services come equipped with these tools, making quick work of even the heaviest snowfalls. You won’t have to worry about investing in expensive equipment you may only use a handful of times a year.

Saves You Time and Effort

Shoveling snow can be physically demanding and time-consuming. Hiring professionals frees up your time and energy for other tasks or simply lets you enjoy a cozy day inside your warm home. You won't have to brave the cold and spend hours shoveling when you have experts who do it all the time to take care of it.

Prevents Damage

Improper snow removal techniques can lead to damage to your property. Professionals know how to clear snow without harming your landscaping, driveway, or walkways. Their expertise ensures that your property remains in good condition throughout the winter and looks good as new come spring!

Customized Solutions

Different properties have different needs when it comes to snow removal. At Western Landscape, we tailor our approach to your specific property, considering factors like size, layout, and specific areas that need extra attention. Our personalized approach ensures effective snow removal while minimizing any damage or disruption to your property.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that your property is in the hands of skilled professionals can provide you with peace of mind during the winter months. You won't have to stress about snow piling up or the safety of your family and visitors. Instead, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the winter season without worrying about snow-related challenges.

How Snow Removal Services are Done with Western Landscape

Here at Western Landscape, we have a unique way of doing snow removal. Instead of using plows that might harm your concrete, we go for snowblowers. These are gentler on your surfaces. Plus, they leave your driveway looking much cleaner after each snowfall.

We're all about letting you have more fun and less work! So, feel free to have a snowball fight, build snowmen, make snow angels – enjoy your snowy yard. Leave the shoveling to us!

Get Snow Removal Services with Western Landscape this Winter!

Let our experts take care of the snow on your property so you can enjoy the winter season with friends and family! With professional equipment and plenty of experience getting the job done right, Western Landscape provides seamless snow removal services. Contact us today to learn more about commercial and residential services!