lawn aeration

Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn; Fall is the Best Time for This

Core aeration is when you remove small “cores” of soil from your lawn. It’s also called coring or spiking. Core aeration makes your lawn healthier and decreases the need for maintenance. It’s win-win!

Aeration occurs naturally through the process of air exchange between the atmosphere and the soil. When the soil becomes compacted or overloaded with debris, natural aeration needs human intervention. Plan to aerate your home lawn every year. If you need to aerate a busier lawn, such as on a golf fairway or in a public park, you may need to aerate up to five times annually.

native plants

Using Native Plants and Avoiding Invasive Species in Your Landscape

Whether you’re looking to fill an open spot in your yard, would like to feature a unique plant or shrub, or have an entire lot to fill, there are a dizzying array of options from which to choose. Not all pretty plants are created equal. There are two important guidelines to follow that will give you the best results over the long haul: Use native plants and avoid invasive species.

While it may be tempting to order some spectacular specimens from a catalog or website, a local nursery or landscaping company is the best place to start. Why? A local company will know what works in your area. They will feature plants, trees, and shrubs that will thrive in your climate. A bougainvillea is stunning in southern gardens, but will shrivel up and die at the first mention of a freeze in Minnesota.

container gardening

Tips and Benefits: Creating a Container Garden

A common misconception is that beautiful gardens are only for those with large yards or a lot of space. The truth? It’s entirely possible to have a flower or food garden that you can enjoy year-round, no matter how much space you have.

These days, people are becoming more creative with small spaces, bringing the wonders of nature indoors or onto small patios with dedicated container gardens. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to get started with this growing trend.