Author: Shelley Iverson

If you are tired of looking out your window and not liking your yard, there are a few things you can do to make your lawn look great. With a few simple steps, your lawn will look better than ever with these lawn care tips. 

 1) Aerate: 

This is one great lawn care tip that will make a big difference in your lawn. Your lawn can start to become compacted from kids playing, pets running, or even debris from lawn mowing. Soil compaction is not good for your lawn. By becoming compacted, grass does not grow as well because it traps nutrients and prohibits grass growth. It also prevents water drainage and air movement to the roots of the grass. It prevents the ecosystem that lives in your soil from producing a healthy environment to make your grass greener and lusher.  

 To fix this problem, aeration is a simple process that decompacts your soil. It is a machine that loosens up the top part of your soil by creating small cuts in your soil. These holes are a few inches deep but make a big difference. By making these holes, you are allowing nutrients, oxygen, and water to flow through your grassroots and your grass will thank you.  

 2) Water your Lawn 

Watering your lawn can be easy. On your end, you just need to set up your hose, sprinkler, and timer. The trick is to know how much water you are using. For this tip to be effective, you should water your grass a few times deeply. Watering your grass one time a week will be enough if you have an inch. A handy idea to try is to put a container in your yard where your sprinklers are watering and see if you are watering the proper amount.  

3) Mow The Right Way 

First, make sure that your lawnmower is set to the right height, and that your blades are sharp. This will help the cut be more effective and make your lawn more even. There are correct heights for different conditions and types of grass. When you know what your lawn likes, you are more likely to have a better-looking lawn. 

4) Contact A+ Lawn Care 

It might come down to having lawncare experts come and give your lawn the proper care. It will be less work for you and your lawn will look amazing. From aerating to mowing and fertilizing, your lawn will be taken care of and will look lush. If you need lawn care tips, we also have those for your specific lawn needs! 

 

Contact A+ Lawncare in Sun Valley for your Lawn Care Tips! 

Winter isn’t over yet even though we hope the end is close. When considering snow removal in regards to caring for your lawn, it’s a good idea to ask how you are going to take care of your lawn, sidewalks, and property. There are some awesome tools including snowblowers that might make your life much easier!

Living in the northern states, owning a shovel is definitely a necessity but what about a snowblower?  If you have a long driveway, shoveling can take hours. If you have multiple snowstorms, it’s a lot of ground to cover when shoveling and there can be a simple solution. Have you considered a snow blower? This tool can be easy to use, save you time, and save your body from all the work of shoveling. There are different types of snowblowers, as well as tips and tricks we will share below! 

Types of Snowblowers 

Depending on the amount of ground you have to cover, and the amount of snow in your area, there are different types of snow blowers that might work for your conditions. The cost of a unit can range from hundreds to thousands depending on the power, size, and features you want. If you’re a first-time purchaser, research used options to save you money. 

 Stages: 

Snowblowers have different stages depending on what they do. A regular one-stage snow blower has a spinning auger and a chute. A stage 2 snow blower has an auger and a chute with an impeller that throws the snow farther. A stage 3 snow blower has the same features but with an accelerator that speeds up the process and sends snow the farthest away. 

 Power: 

Power sources are another main component to look at when deciding on a snowblower. There are electric and gas. Most use gas and usually, gas blowers have better performance. 

 Features:  

Snowblowers have many features to help you easily remove your snow. 

• Speed control 
• Chute direction control, up, down and side to side 
• Easy operation handles and turn features 

 Some really nice features that make your experience even better are heated handles, headlights, and easy starting. 

Save Time With Snowblowers 

With many things to consider, it is always best to remember that during winter, your life can be made easier. If you get the top-of-the-line snowblower or a basic model, it is safe to say your snow removal won’t be a headache anymore! 

 A+ Lawncare has great recommendations on making your lawn look a cut above, even in winter. Contact us today! 

Now that we are in the dead of winter, it is time to start looking forward to the sun, warmer temperatures, and spring. Snow and ice as they melt will leave things brown and your lawn ready to grow. You can make your spring lawn care look better with a few easy steps that will be sure to make a difference. 

Spring Clean-Up: 

The first and foremost task is to clean up your lawn. Leaves, any debris, and more from before the snowfall should be picked up. For this, you will need some rakes or a leaf blower. Make sure that if you mow, bag debris so that the lawnmower and lawn do not get clogged up with debris. Just a clean-up will already have your lawn looking better for spring. 

Apply Mulch: 

Mulching is another task to make your lawn ready for spring growth. A trim and edging can help your lawn look great, but mulching your landscaping will make your lawn look a cut above the rest. Replacing lost mulch is also important to make sure it doesn’t look spotty or patchy. Mulching is an easy effective task at making your lawn look amazing this spring! 

 

Fertilize: 

Another key step is to fertilize and apply a preventative chemical to prevent weeds and unwanted grasses. This will make your lawn grow thicker, fuller, and greener. When you apply the first time, make sure to just do fertilizer and herbicide. After that, let it grow for a few weeks and come back for a second time and apply again. This time add a weed killer to take care of any weeds that were missed the first time. 

Mow: 

First, inspect your lawnmower and make sure it has proper maintenance. This can include a good check-up on oil, gas and making sure the blades are sharp. After that, make sure to mow starting early in the season and make sure to keep mowing often. Making sure the grass is mowed often, will make growth easier on the grass, and keep your lawn looking even, fuller, and sharp. 

Trim: 

Trimming is a great way to make your lawn look amazing for spring. Any shrubs, trees, and other plants may need to be trimmed. Make sure to look at any specific instructions for plants to make sure that this is recommended first! Trimming dead branches will help make your yard look ready for spring.  

 

If you want any advice, contact A+ Lawn Care for all of your spring lawn needs.  

 

Have you ever wondered what your lawn is missing? If you ever look at your yard and ask what is that little something that will take your lawn from average to above average, you might want to hear about concrete curb edging. Not only is it extremely appealing to the eye, but it also has many more benefits that make it worth every cent. 

 

Curb Edging is Easy 

If you have ever been outside working for hours, wondering when will all this work end? Curb edging might appeal to you. It really cuts back on hours of work for you and adds sharpness to your borders. By adding this type of edging, it adds a weed and grass barrier to prevent unwanted plants in the boundaries of your landscaping. Grass trimming, mowing, and other lawn chores become easier too because of set boundaries with rugged durability and perfect edge to follow. It makes for a beautiful lawn cut. Because of its durability and strength, the edging will hold up if scuffed with the mower and lasts years. Unlike brick, which gives out to weather, physical damage from tools and becomes uneven, curbs edging lasts. 

 

Curb Edging Benefits 

The added benefits that go beyond are raising home value, the natural look of the edging, and the ease of installation. You can’t lose when putting in edging. Compared to other options, this option outlives much of its competition. Its protective layer protects it from sun damage, weather damage and it can withstand physical damage. From the amount of time it lasts and its beauty compared to other options, it is a clear winner. It looks better than other options too.

Curbing is neat and tidy. It can be mixed with any color you like and will be hand-carved with a natural-looking stone finish. It is easy to install too. A+ Lawncare are experts at edging and can save you time and headaches. We outline every boundary you plan and take the rest from there. Before you know it your edge will be finished and your lawn will look a cut above the rest.  

 

Envision Your Edging 

Before you get curb edging, envision where you would like your borders. If you have something in mind, make a list to give A+ Lawncare. We will make your lawn encapsulate every aspect of your vision and help guide you through the process seamlessly. For added ideas to help you get started, here are some tips.  

• If you have trees, it can be a nice touch to add beauty around the base of the tree.  
• Do you like curves or straight borders? 
• What colors would your like for your edging? 

• For added inspiration, here are some ideas. 

 

Contact A+ Lawncare today! 

If you are looking to sell your home, or enjoy the home you are in a little more, landscaping is a great way to increase the value of your home. It attracts home buyers, raises the value of your home, and makes your house look great boosting curb appeal. 

Concrete Curb Edging 

To make your landscaping look its best, use concrete curb edging. There are many benefits in addition to raising the value of your home. It is easy to have installed, maintain and is very visually appealing. This kind of landscape feature gives you an edge over others. Due to it being very durable and long-lasting, it will keep its look unlike plastic or brick edging that may be damaged and fade. We hand carve our concrete curb edging and use multiple colors that give your edging a great look. This is a great choice to add value to your home! 

Outdoor Living Area 

Another great way to boost your home value is to incorporate a living area or patio into your landscaping area. Pavers are a great way to spruce up your outdoor areas. Ideas that would work great for your space may be: 

• Patios 
• Walkways 
• Seat walls 
• Fire pits 
• Lighting or fire columns 

• Grilling stations 
• Paver driveways 

Pavers are a great way to add character and appeal to your home. They are beautiful and very versatile so you can select from a multitude of patterns and styles of pavers. They are very durable and if one gets damaged, it is very easy to trade out a paver for a new one unlike concrete that gets cracks and damage. Pavers add beauty and make your space different from an average area. This makes your home have more appealing and adds higher home value! 

Maintaining Your Landscape 

This includes making sure your plants are watered, trimmed, and look healthy. Add new mulch or rock to your landscaping beds. Consider work that needs to be done to your yard. Mowing, edging, weeding, aeration, overseeding, dethatching are all beneficial ideas. Taking some time to consider what your yard needs to look its best may raise the value of your home even more. 

A+ lawn Care are experts in taking care of every aspect of your lawn. If you need help or tips, we are the best in Madison, Wisconsin! 

At A+ Lawn Care, we want your lawn to look sharp. Although it’s winter, there is no better time to start planning the perfect spring lawn. An easy choice for accenting your lawn is edging. It is a detail that is overlooked by many and the absence of edging may produce a sloppy or unkempt appearance. Luckily, we are experts at edging, especially concrete curb edging. We have some tips for you below. 

  

Mow 

Start by mowing your lawn. This should be done by adjusting your lawnmower to the proper height and mowing your lawn completely. Make sure not to leave the grass too long or too short. This will make your lawn look shabby and might actually harm your grass. 

 

Follow a Path 

This is a good time to plan a perimeter you will follow. This will make edging easier. Use rope, tape, or something to help you visually plan the look you are trying to achieve. If you are just edging along with the concrete, skip this step. It is also helpful to follow a path you decide on in a uniform direction. This will help your lawn look perfect and make sure the grass is all the same length. 

Trimming 

There are many ways to edge, with a manual edger or with a string trimmer. Trimmers are used often for convenience. They are lightweight and are easy to maneuver. A manual edger uses a blade that will cut larger chunks of grass or weeds near a path or drive.  

 

When trimming, make sure you do it properly. Use the trimmer vertically with the shield towards you. Using the trimmer, cut down keeping it just a few inches deep. With a manual edger, you will stick the edger down like a shovel and use the lip as your guide. 

 

Afterward, make sure to clean up debris. You may have clumps of grass, clippings of grass, and yard debris to clean up from edging. Make sure to clean it up to help make your lawn look its best. 

Our Choice 

You guessed it, concrete edging of course!  Concrete edging will make your life much easier. With concrete curb edging, you are able to maintain your lawn with less effort and it will make definite edges that look beautiful. It will prevent grass from overgrowing to places that you don’t want it. Concrete edging will help you to maintain your yard instead of having to edge yourself and benefit you by saving on clean-up time!  

 

Contact us today to find out more about edging. 

 

 

 

With winter just around the corner, it is time to get ready for snow and cold. At A+ Lawn Care, we know that your landscape has potential year-round. There are a few steps you can take going into winter for your landscaping to emerge even better next spring. Take time to protect your shrubs, trees, plants, and garden for next year. 

Protecting Your Landscape 

Lawn and landscape care are equally essential to maintain the look of your yard. During the winter months, snow and ice can take a significant toll on your landscape if not taken care of correctly. Make sure to take the same amount of care when considering winter prep for your lawn. Below are some steps you can take to ensure your plants make it through winter.  

1. Apply Mulch 

Mulch is a great way to protect your landscaping from harsh winter conditions. A few inches of mulch helps with many things, especially damage, erosion, and water loss. By applying mulch, you can also protect your plants from harsh temperatures. Mulch allows plants to stabilize during extreme temperature changes like freezing and thawing. Mulch will make a difference for your landscape next spring! 

1. Ice and Snow Protection 

Now is a great time to assess what plants your landscaping has that could be easily damaged. Inspect to find any branches that might break and tie them together or to make sure to remove snow and ice from branches that are down from the weight. Make sure that brushing snow and ice is done gently as branches may break from the weight of the snow and ice. By doing this, you can make sure your landscape looks great after the snow melts.

1. Protect Young Trees 

Put up a support and consider fencing for small or young trees. This can protect them from wind and harsh conditions as well as winter wildlife. Young trees are susceptible to significant damage in the winter from wind, snow, and ice, and a little support and protection go a long way in helping your trees and landscape stay in the best shape until warmer weather. 

1. Pruning 

Prune your landscaping to encourage new growth. By cutting back plants in late winter, the plant will push out new development as spring starts. Make sure to prune dormant plants. Some plants do not need pruning, so make sure to research if your beautiful plants will benefit from pruning. 

At A+ Lawn Care, we know that lawns require maintenance year-round. Contact us today for questions about your winter landscaping needs! We are here to answer all of your questions and help you with anything lawn and landscaping. 

Thankfully, winter is a great time to take a rest from regular lawn chores. Although there isn’t much to do besides some regular winter maintenance, there are a few things that can help your lawn survive winter and come out looking amazing! A+ Lawn Care in Sun Prairie has excellent tips for you to follow through with going into winter.

Pre-winter Checklist

As winter approaches, you can stop mowing after the first frost. This can help to prevent your grass from the harsh temperatures and snow in winter. Once it gets to freezing, the grass will begin to hibernate, and you do not need to mow. Winter is a perfect opportunity to do some yard clean-up and remove any leaves and debris from your lawn to ensure that the grass can grow properly in the spring. You also might consider aerating and fertilizing before the first freeze and snow so that your grass can utilize all nutrients in the spring creating a fantastic lawn.

When winter approaches, it is time to put away your lawn care items properly. Ensure that you winterize your tools, such as moving them to a shed or garage and prepping them for the next season and winter. Bringing your lawnmower or trimmer in for winter is also an excellent time to get them repaired or serviced for the next season!

Winter

During winter and snowfall, you can do a few things for your lawn care. One is proper snow removal. Improper care will start to affect the growth of your grass in the spring if you are incorrectly shoveling, removing ice, and having too much traffic. When you shovel snow, make sure that water does not build up in any areas; water pooling will lead to loss of grass. When you remove ice, make sure to reduce chemicals or salt that will damage the grass. If you need to, flush your grass to ensure there isn’t a build-up of salt and chemicals that hinder growth. Lastly, for lawn care in the winter, make sure that you limit traffic on your snow-covered lawn. This will prevent paths of worn-down grass in the spring, and your lawn will come back healthier than ever!

Winter Lawn Care Done Right

Still not sure why your lawn doesn’t flourish in the spring? We can help with winter lawn tips or lawn care services specific to your needs. Contact A+ Lawn Care to have the best lawn care in Sun Prairie.

If you are looking for something easy to make your lawn look better, curb edging is for you. At A+ lawn care, we have the best concrete edging around. Our process makes the edging durable, tough and visually appealing. Concrete edging is best installed when the weather is above 50 degrees, so generally spring to late fall. Below we will share with you how our edging can make your lawn better.

Process:

Design:

First, we will remove any edging you have. We can then go over where you want the next edge to be located. We use spray paint to show you lines of where it will be. You can then choose if you want the edge wider or to make more definition.

Trenching and preparation:

After designing the curb edging, we use a special tool to start forming a trench for the concrete edging to lay in called a bed edger. This will run exactly along the spray painted lines. Once the trench is completed, we will start filling and forming the concrete edge.

Concrete Installation:

Once we are ready for the concrete step, we hand mix the concrete. When mixing the concrete we will add the desired color the customer wants. Then, the concrete will be poured into the trench. To do this we use a machine that applies the concrete continuously with a steel cable and mesh that adds durability.

After pouring the concrete, A+ lawn care makes sure to get all air bubbles our and make expansion spaces. The joint help make concrete curbing last longer so it can prevent cracking. Once this is done, more color can be added or hand carved patterns or designs or adding hand carved natural stone.

After the curb is done, we wait one week to come back and apply sealant after the concrete cures. The sealant protects the concrete and helps to maintain color without fading, and keep the concrete curb looking good.

A+ Lawn Care Concrete Edging:

Concrete edging is a great solution to make your lawn look better, reduce maintenance and enhance your property value. The process takes about one day. Maintenance of the edging is just applying sealant on the concrete to maintain a barrier to keep it looking fresh and to prevent fading and wear. The sealant should be applied ever 2 years. Once you get concrete edging you can enjoy it for about 20 years! Contract us today to find out more about concrete curb edging!