Eco Lawn Science

It's an easy mistake to make, and we've all done it at some point. It's spring or early summer. We see that weird patch of grass in our lawn and think, "Oh no, crabgrass!" But in Utah and many other parts of the country, crabgrass does not come out until much later, usually July/August. So what is that awful grass ruining the uniformity of your lawn? It's one of several different grasses that we at Eco Lawn Science refer to generally as "pasture grass" or "junk grass." And it would be great if the only issue here was that people were calling a weed by the wrong name. Unfortunately it's a lot more complicated. There are pretty solid solutions for crabgrass. For "pasture grass"? Not so much. Learn more in this episode.

Canada, musk, scotch, bull. Today we’re discussing thistle. They are undeniably striking plants, but you don’t want them on your property. Many of them are considered noxious weeds and are extremely invasive. With some plants dropping as many as 20,000-40,000 seeds per head, infestation can happen before you know it. Learn how to give yourself the best chances for success in keeping them at bay in your area.

For people who take pride in a perfect, green sea of lawn, can there be anything more obnoxious than that cheery, yellow head brazenly popping up in the middle of it all? Today Ete discusses one of the more despised lawn weeds, the dandelion. Surprisingly enough, the dandelion actually can lay claim to a few positives, which you'll hear in this episode. But let's face it, with that bright color, that parachute of seeds bent on reproducing everywhere, that dang taproot, you may be more interested in preventing and destroying them. We've got that info here for you too. Whatever your feelings about dandelions, you can find out more in this episode. Enjoy!

Today Ete talks dethatching and power raking. What is thatch? When and why is it a problem? How can you determine if your lawn has too much thatch and what should you do if it does? What is power raking and how do you do it? Get all your thatch and power raking questions answered here.

Today Ete discusses microclover. Planting microclover–a variety of clover with small dark, green leaves that grows low to the ground–in your lawn could be a great way for you to help keep your lawn looking green and growing healthy. Microclover is a "nitrogen fixer," and has been shown to decrease the need for nitrogen fertilizer inputs by a substantial amount, meaning less environmental impact. And it attracts pollinators, which is awesome! But it's not for everyone. Hear the pros and cons of planting microclover in your lawn. And if you're interested in trying it out, find out how to plant it and how to maintain your grass/microclover lawn (especially when weed controls are involved).

Today Ete talks about getting your pH right for your lawn. Acidity levels are surprisingly important to good lawn care in a couple of ways. Dialing in the correct acidity for the soil in your area and for your grass type should be considerations in your plan to grow a healthy, lush lawn. It's also important to understand that the pH levels in the products you use (like fertilizers), and even the pH levels of your irrigation water, can play a part in how effective your products and watering will be. 

There are so many things to consider when hiring a lawn service. You may receive quotes from different companies that are surprisingly wide-ranging. But price is just the beginning. What are the hidden costs and hidden benefits of going with each company? As with many things, when it comes to hiring the right lawn company, the adage is true, you often get what you pay for. 

Spring has just arrived. The sun is shining. Birds are singing. The neighbor's lawn is starting to look green and alive. So why is mine still brown and dormant? Ete takes a look at some of the factors that affect exactly when turfgrass comes out of winter dormancy. 

Moss is a pretty cool looking, very interesting, non-vascular plant. But chances are, you don't want it in your lawn. Today Ete discusses moss: why it's growing in your lawn and what you can do about it. 

Ete realizes that having grown up with a gardening mom, and having himself been in the fert business since the age of 14, fertilization has always just been part of life, not something that he's ever really questioned. After a few people recently asked him whether lawns even really need fertilization, he gave it some thought. Today Ete discusses the whys of lawn fertilization.