Chinch bugs are the most devastating affliction to a lawn. The damage they cause is abrupt, ferocious, and permanent. Even worse, their damage continues, even after they are eradicated, as the poison they have injected into the lawn continues to do its damage. As if this weren’t enough, Chinch bugs also lay eggs that will over winter and hatch next season. But protecting your lawn isn’t as hard as you might expect. All you need to do is keep your lawn watered when conditions become hot or dry. Chinch bugs only afflict full-sun, high and dry areas of the lawn. Keeping your lawn well watered will deter them. Even as they hatch, they will move away from moist lawns and towards neighbouring drier lawns.
Grass Clippings
Should I mulch or bag my grass clippings?
It depends. How much time do you have to dedicate to your lawn? Mulching is the better way to go. It returns nutrients to the soil regularly and evenly.
But mulching must be done correctly! During periods of excessive growth, your lawn may need to be cut as often as three times a week! So, if you’re mulching your lawn and notice the clippings on the surface of the lawn, you’re well on your way to a whole mess of problems.
To mulch correctly, you must cut the clippings into small enough pieces that they fall into the lawn. Meaning, you should not see any clippings on the lawn. If you do, the clippings are not being cut into small enough pieces. They will not break down fast enough, and will begin to accumulate in the lawn and form a thick layer of thatch very rapidly. These are prime conditions for diseases and insects to ravage your lawn.
BAM! Green recognizes how most folks today lead busy lives. Sure, the bagging mower saves time, but it comes at the cost of removing nutrient-rich clippings from the lawn. If you do use a bagging mower, try to compost the clippings. It is estimated that as much as 25% of our landfill is being filled by grass clippings. Is there a “Leaf It to Us” disposal site near you? If so, when they’re open please try to take your clippings and leaves there.