6 Tips to Refreshing Your Lawn this Upcoming Spring

Refreshing your lawn in the spring can help improve its appearance and health. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Remove debris: Before you start any lawn care, you need to clear away any debris such as leaves, twigs, and branches that have accumulated over the winter.

2. Rake the lawn: Raking your lawn in the spring can help remove dead grass and promote healthy growth. This will also help break up any thatch, which is a layer of dead plant material that can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots.

3. Aerate the soil: Aerating your lawn can help reduce soil compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. You can use a manual aerator or rent a power aerator from a local garden center.

4. Apply fertilizer: Applying fertilizer can help promote healthy growth and improve the overall health of your lawn. Choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for your grass type and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Seed or sod: If you have bare or thin spots in your lawn, consider seeding or sodding those areas to promote healthy growth.

6. Water and Mow Regularly: Regularly mowing and water your lawn at the appropriate height can help promote healthy growth and prevent weeds from taking hold.

By following these steps, you can refresh your lawn and improve its health and appearance in the spring. If you are one who prefers there lawn to magically be refreshed when you pull back into the driveway give us a call today at 816-800-4003 and get a quote for this spring refresh!

Spring Landscaping Tips for the Kansas City Area!

Spring ushers in long-awaited warmer temperatures and the urge to want to get outside. Here is a simplified guide for how you can prep your landscape for the spring and coming summer.

Start by taking a closer look at your trees and shrubs.

This is the most effective start to your spring landscape clean-up. Look for that might be damaged or ill-looking from the harsh winter weather. Smaller ornamental trees and shrubs can be pruned by hand. We recommend that larger trees and hedge rows be pruned and removed by a professional. For an easy guide on pruning click here.

Test your soil!

Your landscaper or a professional soil testing service company may need to do this. The most nutrients and microbial action occurs in your first 3-6 inches of soil. We highly recommend soil testing every 3-5 years to ensure your soil has the proper pH balance and mix of nutrients. Click here for a reference guide to all University extensions in your state that offer soil testing. Click the following link for an extensive guide for Missouri.

Fertilize your lawn or Incorporate Bio-Based soil amendments.

The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but chemical fertilizers and granular fertilizers only allow the sod in your yard the nutrients to look greener for the following season.We will always recommend some slow-release fertilizer, but your grass will only be as good as the topsoil underneath. Holganix has been the leader and forefront of 100% organic soil amendments for the last 10 years.

Click to read more about Holganix and how they are reshaping the agriculture and lawn care industry!

If you fertilize, ensure it's at the optimum time of the year for your type of grass. Not all grasses should be fertilized in spring. Some cool-season grass varieties do better when fertilized in fall. Unsure what type of grass you have? Contact your lawn care professional to help you identify what's in your yard.

• In most cases, it's not a problem with your sod or turf! It all boils down to your soil health.

• If electing to fertilize, it's important to know the exact square footage of your lawn and to read the entire labeling and instructions. Using too little or too much fertilizer can harm your yard and cause damages that will need professional help. Several university studies show that under-fertilized turf can lead to a thin turf stand resulting in soil erosion and unwanted soil runoff.

• State and local governments can limit when what kind, and what amount of fertilizer you can apply. Professional, licensed lawn care companies must follow state, local, and federal regulations.

Your trees and shrubs need some nutrient care as well! Most plants, trees, and shrubs will benefit from proper fertilization with a slow-release product just before your top mulch dressing is applied.

Control The Weeds.

Spring is a good time to apply pre-emergent weed control for weeds such as crabgrass.

Add a minimum inch-thick layer of fresh mulch in plant beds and around trees. Don't let the mulch touch tree trunks and never let the mulch accumulate to more than a 3-inch depth. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, keeps roots cool in the summer, and insulates them in the winter. Mulch will add organic matter to the soil as it decomposes over time.

Your irrigation system.

Your irrigation system needs to be activated in the springtime. Most landscape companies provide this in their maintenance packages. We recommend calling your lawn care professional and requesting an irrigation activation and service check-up on your system.

Not enough time in your busy schedule?

Allcat has multiple streamlined outdoor divisions to assist and provide solutions to all our homeowners on the best treatment and care for your home all year long.

Give us a call today to get a free quote: 816.800.4003

7 Things to Look for When Choosing A Construction Company

When looking for a construction company, choosing a company with the experience, skills, and professionalism to complete your project to your satisfaction is important. Here are some things to look for when selecting a construction company:

1. Experience: Look for a company with a proven track record of completing projects similar to yours. Ask for references and check the company's portfolio to get a sense of the quality of their work.

2. License and insurance: Ensure the company is licensed and insured to protect yourself and your property.

3. Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation in the industry. Check online reviews and ask for referrals from friends and family.

4. Communication: Choose a company that is easy to communicate with and responsive to your needs.

5. Cost: Make sure the company provides a detailed estimate and that you understand the costs involved in your project. Ensure the company is transparent about any additional costs that may arise during the project.

6. Contract: Carefully review the contract to make sure it includes all the details of the project, including the scope of work, payment schedule, and timelines.

7. Quality of materials: Make sure the company uses high-quality materials that meet your standards and budget.

Choosing a construction company that meets these criteria ensures that your project is completed on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction.

Here at Allcat, our mission is to listen to our partners and valued clients. In doing so, collaboration leads to the best possible outcomes for all parties. Collaboration yields complete construction solutions while ensuring our clients' highest quality, timeliness, and responsiveness.

Interested in learning more about our services or getting a quote for any construction or landscaping needs?

Contact us today at 816-800-4003