Tag Archives: lawn care

Nov3

How To Pest-Proof Your Lawn Before Winter

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How To Pest-Proof Your Lawn Before Winter

You ever notice how when the weather finally cools down, you’re excited for cozy sweaters and hot chocolate, but every bug in existence seems to get the same idea? Yeah, it’s not really a fun way to have a seasonal shift, right? Well, not just bugs (though it’s mostly bugs), but mice and other pests too. Unlike birds, pests don’t migrate south for the winter; they’re trying to get into your warm house instead. Your lawn is basically like a waiting room for pests until they can get into your home. Usually, this can be fairly preventable, but it starts with your lawn and utilizing these tips:

Your Lawn Might Need a Quick Glow-Up:

On the one hand, your lawn is nature and it needs nature to thrive (obviously). But at the same time, if you let Mother Nature set its course, or welcome Mother Nature a little too much, that means a bug infestation. Obviously, there needs to be a balance, because you can’t just expect to have literally zero pests in your lawn; that’s not possible or healthy. If your lawn is covered in leaves, sticks, and grass clippings, it’s basically saying, “Come on in”. Well, for a bug (or even mice), that’s what it seems like. So, is it autumn? Is it damp? Is there anything like leaves decomposing? That’s perfect for bugs and rodents trying to stay warm. You just need to clean it up, rake the leaves, compost (in a bin) the leaves, remove trash, cut the grass, it’s those sorts of things that make a big difference.

Your Lawn’s an Ecosystem:

This was already mentioned, but it helps to just say it again. People often forget that lawns are alive. Think of it like this: Too much moisture – that means grubs. Are there dead spots? You can say hello to ants. You get the picture. For the most part, a healthy lawn does fight back. And sure, it can be hard having to “perfect” this art, like aerating the soul, bug control, fertilizer, ect, and in that case, if you have the money for it, it could help to look into SolTerra Lawn & Pest since they can keep your lawn strong and keep the bugs outside (and not going into your house).

Fix the Tiny Stuff ASAP:

Here’s an example: you know that crack near the garden bed you’ve been ignoring for months? The bugs are using it. In general, those little gaps in the soil, patio, or fence line are where bugs crawl into to stay warm. So you will need to fill or patch these ASAP. The same goes for standing water, too, like puddles. Standing water can, of course, damage the lawn further and bring pests right to your front door.

Fixing problem areas in your lawn can help keep your home pest free for the winter. Start now while the weather is still warm(ish)!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug4

The Simple Way To Clear Your Backyard

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The Simple Way To Clear Your Backyard

It doesn’t take long for a backyard to go from trim and tidy to overgrown anarchy. Maybe it started with a few weeds around the fence. Then the bushes doubled in size. A few fallen branches got ignored. Suddenly, it’s a whole situation. But getting it back to clean doesn’t have to be a huge, exhausting project. With the right tools and a smart approach, anyone can turn things around in one solid afternoon:

Why Most Backyards Get Out of Control (And It’s Totally Normal):

Backyards grow fast. Trees shoot out new branches, vines creep up fences, and weeds love popping up overnight. Throw in a few rainy weeks or a busy schedule, and nature just takes over. It’s not lazy or bad planning – it happens to everyone. The good news is, there’s a way to handle it without spending every weekend sweating in the sun. It’s all about using the right tools that do most of the work for you. Big gas-powered machines can be loud, messy, and hard to manage. But newer electric tools make the process way easier and a lot quieter.

One of the most helpful tools for these jobs is an electric chainsaw. Whether you’re trimming thick bushes, cutting fallen limbs, or dealing with smaller trees that took over the back fence, this tool can clear large messes fast and without the noise or hassle of gas models.

Start with the Biggest Problem:

The best way to tackle an overgrown yard is to go for the most obvious mess first. If there are branches on the ground or a huge bush blocking the walkway, that’s the place to start. Clearing those out makes the space instantly look better, and it gives more room to move around for everything else. Cut up large pieces into smaller chunks that can be stacked, bagged, or hauled away later. Just getting those big eyesores out of the way gives a huge boost and it’s that moment when it starts to feel doable instead of overwhelming.

What to Cut, What to Keep:

After clearing fallen branches and thick growth, it’s time to look at what’s still standing. Trees and bushes should have space between them and the house, fence, or path. If anything is rubbing against walls or blocking light, it needs trimming. Use the chainsaw for the thicker stuff, and grab some handheld shears or trimmers for small branches and dead plants. Don’t be afraid to cut more than expected as most plants bounce back fast. The goal isn’t to get everything perfect, but just to give it shape and space again.

Mow, Edge, and Sweep:

Once the big mess is handled and everything’s trimmed, it’s time to focus on the ground. Overgrown yards usually mean tall grass and wild edges. Start with mowing the lawn. Even if the grass looks patchy or dry, cutting it down cleanly makes a huge difference. After mowing, edge along the sides of walkways, flower beds, or fences. That clean line makes everything look cared for, even if nothing fancy is going on. Finish up by sweeping or blowing away the leftover mess like leaves, twigs, or sawdust from the branches. This step takes the yard from “cleaned up” to “wow, that actually looks nice.”

Dealing With the Leftovers:

One part people forget about: where all the branches, grass, and leaves are going to go. If the city has yard waste pickup, great – pile it up for collection day. No pickup? A local green waste drop-off center can help. For anyone with a little extra space, a compost pile works too (just skip the big wood). Either way, don’t let the cleanup pile sit for weeks. Moving it out right after the job makes everything feel done!

Keeping It from Getting Wild Again:

Once the yard looks fresh again, staying on top of it becomes way easier. The trick is to do small jobs regularly instead of letting it get bad again. Here are a few simple ways to keep it under control:

  • Do a quick scan once a week for fallen branches or trash.
  • Trim bushes or trees when they start reaching over walkways.
  • Mow every 1–2 weeks during growing season.
  • Use electric tools that are easy to grab and use without making a mess.

Keeping tools nearby and charged up helps a lot. When something’s easy to grab, it’s more likely to get used before the job becomes a big deal again.

What Really Makes a Difference:

It’s not about having a picture-perfect yard. Most people just want a space that looks neat, safe, and comfortable to hang out in. That’s totally possible without needing to be a pro or spending tons of time every weekend. The real difference comes from a few things:

  • Using tools that don’t make the job harder than it needs to be.
  • Tackling the biggest problem first instead of trying to do everything at once.
  • Cleaning up in layers – branches, then bushes, then grass.
  • Taking 15 minutes once a week to stay ahead of it.

Whether the goal is to have space to relax, let kids play, or just stop worrying about what the neighbors think, the path to a cleaner yard doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, use tools that help, and let progress do the rest!

Featured Image By: Pixabay