http://southernhydroturf.com/blogBLOG RSSThu, 31 Jan 2019 03:21:09 GMTThu, 31 Jan 2019 03:21:09 GMThttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/getting-your-mower-ready-for-springAs we edge closer to spring here in the south it’s time to start thinking about preparation for maintaining that beautiful lawn you worked so hard for.  One of the main components in the lawn maintenance process is your mower. To ensure that the investment you made in this key piece of equipment has longevity, there is some routine maintenance to be done.  If a lawn mower maintenance schedule is followed it will last you many seasons of use.Oil ChangeThe first task for me is to change theThu, 31 Jan 2019 03:21:09http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/getting-your-mower-ready-for-springhttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/before-spring-checklistWell, February will be here in a couple of days and in the southeastern United States, spring is just around the corner.  We’re already experiencing 60-65 degree temperatures with a couple cooler days mixed in here and there.  With air temperature effecting ground temperature and ground temperature affecting growth things will start to happen once the soil temps get to 60-65 degrees.  So, with that being said I wanted to share a few thoughts on preparation as spring approaches. Soil TestTue, 29 Jan 2019 16:06:48http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/before-spring-checklisthttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/lawn-aerationWhy You Should AerateAeration of a lawn is usually a once a year maintenance process but a vital one if you desire a healthy beautiful lawn.  Grass roots, not unlike us, need air, food and water to grow strong and healthy.  If soil become compacted even moderately it will deprive the root system of getting the essential mentioned prior.  Aerating penetrates the soil, leaving holes, to effectively allow air, food and water access to the roots.  Compacted soil can cause stress on your lawnTue, 29 Jan 2019 22:03:44http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/lawn-aerationhttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/stihl-string-trimmer-reviewIn this post, I am reviewing the Stihl FS 111 R string trimmer.  I purchased this trimmer about 7 months ago when the trimmer that we had, performed well past its expected lifetime, died.  I did my research as I always do but knew I wanted to stay within the Sthil family of power equipment.  First of all, they are American made.  I always try to buy American made regardless of the product at hand.  Two I am familiar with this brand of equipment and it lasts.  Third and most important our dealerMon, 17 Sep 2018 18:51:43http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/stihl-string-trimmer-reviewhttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/implementing-a-weed-control-programWeed control is just that "control".  It is a near-impossible feat to eradicate all weeds from your lawn, but don't be discouraged.  The proper weed control program can mitigate your frustration with unwanted weeds.  This is sometimes an area best left to professionals simply because there is a lot to consider for weed control and prevention.  Of course, you could mix up a sprayer of round-up and just start spraying everything that doesn't look like your desired grass.  That is if you like theFri, 26 Jan 2018 15:09:05http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/implementing-a-weed-control-programhttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/fertilizing-your-lawnFertilizing should be a part of your lawn maintenance program, if not you need to start now!  Fertilization provides grass the much-needed nutrients to grow and turn that beautiful shade of green that we all love to see.  I know what you are thinking, "with all the different types of fertilizer on the market how do I know which to choose", don't worry I'll give you the necessary information so it won't be so overwhelming.  First, you need to know what the numbers on a bag of fertilizer mean. ForWed, 09 Aug 2017 20:15:58http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/fertilizing-your-lawnhttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/hydro-seeding-grassI have spoken briefly on the process of hydroseeding in previous posts but have not went into detail.  I believe that hydroseeding is the most effective and efficient method of seeding new grass.  If the expense of sod is too much for you then hydroseeding is the best option.  With the ability to virtually spray any species of seed at nearly half the cost of sod it has become a popular method of planting grass. It is important to understand that hydroseeding is not instant grass.  Planting sodTue, 08 Aug 2017 01:28:13http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/hydro-seeding-grasshttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/how-much-grass-seed-do-i-needYou can ask ten different people and get ten different answers when it come to the topic of how much seed to use when planting an area.  One common mistake that is made when seeding a new or existing lawn is using too much seed or too little seed.  Using more than the recommended amount can cause the seed to compete for light. water and nutrients in the soil causing little to no results.  Using less than the recommended amount will leave you with thin growth.  The information contained in thisTue, 08 Aug 2017 01:31:16http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/how-much-grass-seed-do-i-needhttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/when-to-plant-grass-seedIf you're considering when to plant grass seed you have to take a few thing into account.  The best time to plant grass seed. as far as time of year is concerned, is determined by the species of grass seed desired.  There are warm weather and cold weather grasses. Also you must consider the region where the seed will grow. Some grasses thrive better in certain areas of the country than others. For example bermuda grass is very drought tolerant and withstands the heat of the southern UnitedTue, 08 Aug 2017 01:33:00http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/when-to-plant-grass-seedhttp://southernhydroturf.com/blog/watering-new-grass-seedWatering newly seeded areas is one of the most crucial times in the germination process. Too little water and the sprout will dry out and die too much and the sprout will suffocate ( "drown"). How long to water new grass seed is dependent on a few factors such as slope, low-lying areas and the amount of natural rainfall.  If the area is sloped the seed could potentially wash away if excess water is applied. In low-lying areas water can accumulate and cause the seed to drown. Watering moreTue, 24 Jan 2017 21:02:16http://southernhydroturf.com/blog/watering-new-grass-seed