Spring To-Do List

APRIL

When Spring comes and the snow melts, everything's supposed to be coming up roses, Right?   Well if your like most people as soon as the snow recedes - it reveals big problems on your lawn!

Don't worry,  the fact is there isn't much you can do about it right now.   However, with a few tips, You can help improve your lawns chances of survival.

First we have to understand what we're up against.  The first step is to understand the problem.

What Does the Problem Look Like?
"We are fielding a ton of calls this Spring about vole damage" says Kyle Tobin, Chief Lawn Expert at LawnSavers.   "If you see tracks running all through your yard that are approximately 2-3 inches wide, then you've hosted a family of voles for the winter."   These tracks look kind of like lightning and are typically bordered with dead grass that has been nested in by the voles.   The reason this problem occurs is due to an exceptionally longer period of snow coverage this winter.   The snow acts as an insulation blanket for these animals.   The voles will burrow underneath and build up their tunnels with thatch and grass from your lawn.

What is the Difference Between Moles and Voles?
Simply put, Moles burrow in tunnels- typically underground and you will see mountains of dirt as evidence.  Moles sometimes eat insects.  Voles typically create tunnels throughout the grass but do not eat insects.  They only eat stems and leaves from plants.  They will howrever leave behind mounds of vegetation.

If it is raccoons and skunks, they are simply looking for grubs underneath the grass, and toss it up throughout the lawn looking for them.  More on that later.

What Do I Do?
Normally, the roots will still be in tact.   Be sure to lightly rake your entire lawn with a fan rake.   Just hard enough to lift up the dead grass.   If it hurts your back, your pushing too hard.   Be sure to have your lawn properly fertilized by your local LawnSaver.   Your lawn will survive.   Once the grass gets growing again, you'll find that it will repair most of the damage on its own, if there are still some bare patches, you may need to spot seed those areas. (see: lawn repair) or call us for more information.

You have a bigger problem if the lawn is being torn up by animals! If the grass has been upended and looks like its been torn up by a roto-tiller, then chances are YOU'VE GOT GRUBS!

This problem is caused by raccoons skunks and squirrels digging up your lawn for] this fine delicacy!  These animals are creatures of habit and will normally move on past your house in time.   The problem is you have a little more work to do to fix this situation.   However, there is nothing you can do to get rid of them right now, apart from a few small tips to make the job easier (and less expensive later).   Grubs eat the roots of your lawn in the fall causing considerable damage.

Here's what you need to do:

• Replace the torn up grass into its rightful home then 'Step on it'! & Keep it moist.
• Try to deter the critters by scattering mothballs around the yard or animal repellent- both are available at your local Canadian Tire store. (Do not use inhumane methods like cayenne pepper)
• Call LawnSavers right away to book your MERIT Grub Control treatment or Natural Nematodes.   Merit (applied in June thru mid-August) kills 90% of the grubs on your lawn and is safer for children and pets than some common alternatives when used as part of our Integrated Pest Management strategy. Nematodes are applied according to weather conditions and should be done proactively to keep their populations high enough to control grubs effectively.
• Prepare to do some lawn repair in mid-May (see: lawn repair), or give us a call for a free estimate.
• Pour yourself a cold drink, sit out in the sun and relax!