The next thing is to lay down your first application of fertilizer. If you are wondering what kind of fertilizer to lay down, click here and get this really cool, step by step lawn treatment program for homeowners.

You guys know that we get watering restrictions and even bans here in Ohio and that means we DO NOT want to put excessive nitrogen on a lawn that has gone dormant from lack of water. Trust me, this is very bad for your lawn. But you still need to treat for grub worms and below is a quick vid I did to show you just exactly what to do to kill and prevent grub worms without applying nitrogen!

Here is the link to check it out!—-> Greenview Grub Control & Prevention, 15 Lbs <—-

With that in mind, I try to hire professionals for many outdoor tasks, just to ensure I am getting the best results and not missing anything. Here are some of the main jobs that I choose not to do on my own.

Lawn Aeration Dayton
Aerating the lawn is a process whereby a large machine is run across the lawn and cores of soil are removed. This helps to reduce soil compaction and also break down an overly thickened thatch layer. I honestly believe that aerating the lawn is the single best thing you can do for it all year long, but I just can’t get it done myself. The machine is too heavy and I’d rather just hire a pro to get it done for me, and you should too.

Grub Worm Treatment
Grubs are insects that feed on the root system of the lawn and can cause major damage if their populations get out of hand. You mainly need to worry about them in the later summer and fall, so call your local lawn pro to get this application down in June or July. Most pros will give you a guarantee with this treatment, and that’s why I leave it to them.

Pest Control
I don’t know about you, but controlling pests like ants, fleas, spiders and ticks just seems like a never ending battle that I just can’t win. In addition, mice are just not my cup of team either. That’s why I always call exterminators like Terminix to come out and keep my home clear and pest free. For some reason, pest control seems like something I want to leave to pros, especially in the case of termites. I’ve heard many horror stories with those critters and I am not willing to be another victim!

You may have a better handle on some of the outside chores and are able to accomplish them on your own. But for me, I’d rather hire out some of the more difficult and important tasks, just to make sure they get done properly and nothing gets overlooked. You might do well to take this same advice. If you live in Dayton, now is the time to get this going!

Begin setting both your budget and expectations, so when the snow melts and flowers begin to bloom, you are set for the year.

I also recommend you begin calling local lawn and landscape pros now because many times you can take advantage of early season pricing plans that will offer you savings both now, and later on. Most landscaping services are fully staffed this time of year and ready to get your Dayton lawn and landscape in shape!

With that in mind, here are some of the basics to consider for the 2009 lawn and landscape season.

Mowing Services
If you are like me, then you will cut your own grass just for the shear joy of being outside. Chances are, however, that the fun will wear off after a few cuts, and you will want to hire a lawn care pro. If that is the case, it is always best to get in line sooner rather than later. Many lawn maintenance contractors book up early and won’t have the room to take you on later. Just let them know you’d like to start service with them a little later in the season, but that you want to sign up now.

Lawn Fertilizing
Another very important consideration for the year is the treatment plan you choose for your grass. The fertilizing, weed control and insect treatment methods you choose now will set you up for not only this season, but successive seasons. Many folks like to use large capable companies like TruGreen to perform these services because they get prompt, reliable and quality service consistently during the season. Still other folks will apply lawn products themselves and achieve good results as well. Either way, you should think about getting the service set up, or buying your fertilizer now before the rush of dandelions comes in later April or May. You don’t want to get behind on this important piece of the lawn care puzzle.

Tree and Shrub Services
It’s a given that you will need to have your trees, shrub and bushes trimmed at some point during the year, but have you thought about fertilizing them? It’s a great idea to give your landscape ornamentals a dose of nitrogen in the spring to set them off for the year. You also may want to consider having them sprayed and treated for damaging insects and fungus that can stunt their growth and cause them to decline. Believe it or not, you have a lot of money tied up in those plants out front, so take care of them now!

These three tips may seem simple, but they are very important in the grand scheme of your outdoor paradise. Get started now so you can get the jump on the weeds, and be ready for summer picnics on the lawn! Dayton lawn care can be simple if you just get started now!