Lawn Care

Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs/Sox, & general discussion

Moderator: wab

Post Reply
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 8839
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 630 times
Been thanked: 738 times

Just moved to Burbs from City - so coming back to it

Looking for Tips - Went with the Ego Mower - happy with that so far

But looking for like - do you use the Scotts Fall stuff? Stuff like that

Open to your years of experience!
User avatar
Otis Day
Hall of Famer
Posts: 8326
Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:43 pm
Location: Armpit of IL.
Has thanked: 150 times
Been thanked: 422 times

I have never used the fall Scotts stuff. I use the hose end sprayers you can buy. I use that early spring, summer and late summer. I have used Scotts, the Lowes brand and other off brand names and all seem to work the same. I have also used some non chemical concoctions for fertilizer. The recipes are on line. They would include epsom salt, ammonia, beer, dish soap.
User avatar
UOK
Site Admin
Posts: 25544
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2008 11:07 am
Location: Champaign, IL
Has thanked: 119 times
Been thanked: 1125 times

I really like my Ego trimmer for the easy re-spool alone. Battery is damn huge but it gets the job done.

I don't really have much of a care for my grass beyond filling in dead spots a couple times a year and I have zero discretion about what I throw on there. I'd be fine with a clover yard, honestly.

The yard/lawn care stuff can go as deep as you want it to go, but really as long as you keep it cut and the sidewalks relatively clear, nobody's really gonna care.
Image
User avatar
LacertineForest
MVP
Posts: 1983
Joined: Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:39 pm
Location: Madison, WI
Has thanked: 2559 times
Been thanked: 467 times

I've had an ego push mower for about 5 years, and it's been great. Battery lasts pretty long - usually I can get through my entire lawn (about 1/4 acre - 45 mins runtime), unless it's really tall/not 100% dry. Charging is fast, though - even if I can't finish it all at once, it only takes ~30 mins to get enough charge to finish the rest. Love how low-maintenance it's been.

As for the lawn itself, I don't do anything for it, anymore. I used to pay TruGreen to service it (wife was complaining about thistles in the lawn), but we decided to stop recently. We'll see how long that lasts. I'd rather not have to take care of one at all. One thing I like about a dry summer is that means I don't have to mow as much. This spring/early summer was nuts because we had so much rain.
User avatar
Rusty Trombagent
Hall of Famer
Posts: 7874
Joined: Fri Aug 31, 2012 11:19 am
Location: Maine!
Has thanked: 705 times
Been thanked: 1352 times

Only one proper thing to do with grass, and that's tear that garbage out and plant a gorgeous and immensely beneficial native perennial meadow.
User avatar
wab
Mod
Posts: 30830
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:49 pm
Has thanked: 178 times
Been thanked: 2489 times

Get a lawn guy like the rest of us suburbanites.
User avatar
LacertineForest
MVP
Posts: 1983
Joined: Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:39 pm
Location: Madison, WI
Has thanked: 2559 times
Been thanked: 467 times

Rusty Trombagent wrote: Fri Sep 20, 2024 9:12 am Only one proper thing to do with grass, and that's tear that garbage out and plant a gorgeous and immensely beneficial native perennial meadow.
I'd love to do this but I am REALLY lazy. Even planting some native plants in a section of the yard would be great for a lot of things, but at the end of the day, I hate yard work and always find something else to do instead.
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 8839
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 630 times
Been thanked: 738 times

wab wrote: Fri Sep 20, 2024 10:50 am Get a lawn guy like the rest of us suburbanites.
Yeah but I'm in the honeymoon phase where its like a fun hobby rather than a chore (Woodworker instead of journeyman carpenter)
User avatar
malk
Head Coach
Posts: 4015
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 7:10 am
Has thanked: 215 times
Been thanked: 341 times

I'm just waiting for Plank to come in with some amazing lawncare app he's had on the back burner and this becoming the start of a beautiful relationship...
"I wouldn't take him for a conditional 7th. His next contract will pay him more than he could possibly contribute.".

Noted Brain Genius Malk, Summer 2018.

(2020 update, wait, was I right...)
User avatar
Grizzled
Hall of Famer
Posts: 6119
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:55 pm
Has thanked: 697 times
Been thanked: 646 times

As one with a Masters in Agronomy, just remember grass is a big parasite. Feed and weed, water, you're just creating more work as it grows quite happily. If you insist on growing it (not a native meadow or clover spread), see if the soils in your area are acidic (most probable) and apply lime. Adding compost in the fall for longer term benefits than chemical fertilizer. Keep your mower high in the summer (2-1/2 to 3 inches) so the grass grows thickly and outcompetes the weeds. Water 1" per week. Cut it short as you let it go dormant in the fall (but don't scalp it). Thatch in the spring. You might have to aerate every few years if your soil, like many suburban lawns, is compact.
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 8839
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 630 times
Been thanked: 738 times

Grizzled wrote: Sat Sep 21, 2024 3:16 pm As one with a Masters in Agronomy, just remember grass is a big parasite. Feed and weed, water, you're just creating more work as it grows quite happily. If you insist on growing it (not a native meadow or clover spread), see if the soils in your area are acidic (most probable) and apply lime. Adding compost in the fall for longer term benefits than chemical fertilizer. Keep your mower high in the summer (2-1/2 to 3 inches) so the grass grows thickly and outcompetes the weeds. Water 1" per week. Cut it short as you let it go dormant in the fall (but don't scalp it). Thatch in the spring. You might have to aerate every few years if your soil, like many suburban lawns, is compact.
Appreciate it - and yep sadly well aware that it's a Weed at its heart. Backyard has to stay for the Pooch - but if you have ideas on the front for something more native?
User avatar
Grizzled
Hall of Famer
Posts: 6119
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:55 pm
Has thanked: 697 times
Been thanked: 646 times

RichH55 wrote: Sun Sep 22, 2024 3:55 pm
Grizzled wrote: Sat Sep 21, 2024 3:16 pm As one with a Masters in Agronomy, just remember grass is a big parasite. Feed and weed, water, you're just creating more work as it grows quite happily. If you insist on growing it (not a native meadow or clover spread), see if the soils in your area are acidic (most probable) and apply lime. Adding compost in the fall for longer term benefits than chemical fertilizer. Keep your mower high in the summer (2-1/2 to 3 inches) so the grass grows thickly and outcompetes the weeds. Water 1" per week. Cut it short as you let it go dormant in the fall (but don't scalp it). Thatch in the spring. You might have to aerate every few years if your soil, like many suburban lawns, is compact.
Appreciate it - and yep sadly well aware that it's a Weed at its heart. Backyard has to stay for the Pooch - but if you have ideas on the front for something more native?
Where do you live? Have any trees and shrubs in the front yard already? What would be your comfort level (and possibly neighbor and HOA approval) of something which is wilder, not traditional in looks? How much maintenance do you want to do, i.e. none to you love gardening.
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 8839
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 630 times
Been thanked: 738 times

Grizzled wrote: Sun Sep 22, 2024 4:35 pm
RichH55 wrote: Sun Sep 22, 2024 3:55 pm

Appreciate it - and yep sadly well aware that it's a Weed at its heart. Backyard has to stay for the Pooch - but if you have ideas on the front for something more native?
Where do you live? Have any trees and shrubs in the front yard already? What would be your comfort level (and possibly neighbor and HOA approval) of something which is wilder, not traditional in looks? How much maintenance do you want to do, i.e. none to you love gardening.
Riverside - small patch in front - Should be able to do just about anything

I would like very little maintenance ha
User avatar
Grizzled
Hall of Famer
Posts: 6119
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:55 pm
Has thanked: 697 times
Been thanked: 646 times

RichH55 wrote: Mon Sep 23, 2024 8:34 am
Grizzled wrote: Sun Sep 22, 2024 4:35 pm

Where do you live? Have any trees and shrubs in the front yard already? What would be your comfort level (and possibly neighbor and HOA approval) of something which is wilder, not traditional in looks? How much maintenance do you want to do, i.e. none to you love gardening.
Riverside - small patch in front - Should be able to do just about anything

I would like very little maintenance ha
Had a thought. Have you ever gone to the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Highland Park or Lake Forest or somewhere north of the city? Lots of different plants and planting arrangements, think of it like window shopping before you buy.
User avatar
UOK
Site Admin
Posts: 25544
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2008 11:07 am
Location: Champaign, IL
Has thanked: 119 times
Been thanked: 1125 times

Grizzled wrote: Sat Sep 21, 2024 3:16 pm As one with a Masters in Agronomy, just remember grass is a big parasite. Feed and weed, water, you're just creating more work as it grows quite happily. If you insist on growing it (not a native meadow or clover spread), see if the soils in your area are acidic (most probable) and apply lime. Adding compost in the fall for longer term benefits than chemical fertilizer. Keep your mower high in the summer (2-1/2 to 3 inches) so the grass grows thickly and outcompetes the weeds. Water 1" per week. Cut it short as you let it go dormant in the fall (but don't scalp it). Thatch in the spring. You might have to aerate every few years if your soil, like many suburban lawns, is compact.
What are your thoughts on clover? I kind of want to let it do its thing in my backyard.
Image
User avatar
Grizzled
Hall of Famer
Posts: 6119
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:55 pm
Has thanked: 697 times
Been thanked: 646 times

UOK wrote: Tue Sep 24, 2024 7:54 am
Grizzled wrote: Sat Sep 21, 2024 3:16 pm As one with a Masters in Agronomy, just remember grass is a big parasite. Feed and weed, water, you're just creating more work as it grows quite happily. If you insist on growing it (not a native meadow or clover spread), see if the soils in your area are acidic (most probable) and apply lime. Adding compost in the fall for longer term benefits than chemical fertilizer. Keep your mower high in the summer (2-1/2 to 3 inches) so the grass grows thickly and outcompetes the weeds. Water 1" per week. Cut it short as you let it go dormant in the fall (but don't scalp it). Thatch in the spring. You might have to aerate every few years if your soil, like many suburban lawns, is compact.
What are your thoughts on clover? I kind of want to let it do its thing in my backyard.
Love it. Find a variety which grows in your area, go to a feed store or call the Ag Extension office. Clover needs a non-acidic soil, i.e. possible lime additions. Establishing it in a an existing grass lawn is the issue without using chemical herbicides to kill the grass (stay away from them). I'm not sure how much foot traffic they tolerate. Here's a link to grass alternatives:

https://www.almanac.com/grass-alternati ... placements

Another option is putting in mulched beds with shrubs and flowers, essentially smothering the grass.
RichH55
Hall of Famer
Posts: 8839
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:23 pm
Has thanked: 630 times
Been thanked: 738 times

I should note - and I haven't used it yet - U of I has a Master Gardner program (Non Minshew) that always seems intriguing for advice
User avatar
Arkansasbear
Hall of Famer
Posts: 5672
Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2020 10:41 am
Has thanked: 584 times
Been thanked: 950 times

To me he best thing is to get a very good pre-emergent down. If I don't do that I'm fight stuff that thrives in cooler weather until it heats up.

Can you take a soil sample to U of I? They would be able to give you information if your soil is too acidic or basic and how to deal with that. I have to put down a ton of lime every year to balance out my soil's PH levels.
User avatar
Grizzled
Hall of Famer
Posts: 6119
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:55 pm
Has thanked: 697 times
Been thanked: 646 times

Arkansasbear wrote: Thu Sep 26, 2024 12:36 pm To me he best thing is to get a very good pre-emergent down. If I don't do that I'm fight stuff that thrives in cooler weather until it heats up.

Can you take a soil sample to U of I? They would be able to give you information if your soil is too acidic or basic and how to deal with that. I have to put down a ton of lime every year to balance out my soil's PH levels.
U of I might offer that service.Some feed stores do also.
User avatar
Grizzled
Hall of Famer
Posts: 6119
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:55 pm
Has thanked: 697 times
Been thanked: 646 times

RichH55 wrote: Mon Sep 23, 2024 8:34 am
Grizzled wrote: Sun Sep 22, 2024 4:35 pm

Where do you live? Have any trees and shrubs in the front yard already? What would be your comfort level (and possibly neighbor and HOA approval) of something which is wilder, not traditional in looks? How much maintenance do you want to do, i.e. none to you love gardening.
Riverside - small patch in front - Should be able to do just about anything

I would like very little maintenance ha
Hey Rich, I'm recommending this for a low maintenance front lawn:

1. Plant a dogwood tree. They typically grow upwards of 15 to 25 feet tall. The Kousa variety is good for shade but others do better in sun. Available with White, Pink, and Red flowers. Will grow upwards of 1 to 2 feet per year. Red berries after flowering, much loved by birds. Very nice fall color

2. If you have room, plant a Maple about 10 to 15 feet away from the Dogwood. Unless you want a really big tree, look for a Japanese Maple, they grow to 10 to 15 feet tall. Fast growing, great fall color.

3. Between the 2 trees, plant a couple of shrubs. Hollies are evergreen and there are varieties which reach from 3 to 25 feet in height (I'd look for the smaller ones like Japanese Holly, 3 to 4 feet high). Other shrub possibilities include Butterfly Bush, Viburnum, and Weigelia.

4. Fill in with perennial flowers (last for several years). Many many types. You can also throw in ground covers, they're typically no maintenance.

5. Put up landscape barrier edging around the whole thing. Put down landscape weed cloth between plants and put down mulch to an inch or so in depth.
User avatar
Atkins&Rebel
Head Coach
Posts: 2241
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2016 3:56 pm
Has thanked: 37 times
Been thanked: 149 times

RichH55 wrote: Thu Sep 19, 2024 10:14 pm Just moved to Burbs from City - so coming back to it

Looking for Tips - Went with the Ego Mower - happy with that so far

But looking for like - do you use the Scotts Fall stuff? Stuff like that

Open to your years of experience!
You can spend quite a bit using a service.
I only do the following:
bought a small spreader and do 2-3 light applications of nitrogen fertilizer through the year and 1 application of grub control in the spring. (keeps skunks from digging up the yard looking for grubs)

You can usually buy what you need a landscape supply store.

Stay away from Pinterest.
I will kill you if you cut me at the knees. You will drink with me when invited and stay til I say so. We only listen to American Music. I make men nervous with just my presence. I expect an apology if you hold. I throw linemen at QB's. Believe the Lore!
User avatar
Arkansasbear
Hall of Famer
Posts: 5672
Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2020 10:41 am
Has thanked: 584 times
Been thanked: 950 times

Grizzled wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 1:36 pm
RichH55 wrote: Mon Sep 23, 2024 8:34 am

Riverside - small patch in front - Should be able to do just about anything

I would like very little maintenance ha
Hey Rich, I'm recommending this for a low maintenance front lawn:

1. Plant a dogwood tree. They typically grow upwards of 15 to 25 feet tall. The Kousa variety is good for shade but others do better in sun. Available with White, Pink, and Red flowers. Will grow upwards of 1 to 2 feet per year. Red berries after flowering, much loved by birds. Very nice fall color

2. If you have room, plant a Maple about 10 to 15 feet away from the Dogwood. Unless you want a really big tree, look for a Japanese Maple, they grow to 10 to 15 feet tall. Fast growing, great fall color.

3. Between the 2 trees, plant a couple of shrubs. Hollies are evergreen and there are varieties which reach from 3 to 25 feet in height (I'd look for the smaller ones like Japanese Holly, 3 to 4 feet high). Other shrub possibilities include Butterfly Bush, Viburnum, and Weigelia.

4. Fill in with perennial flowers (last for several years). Many many types. You can also throw in ground covers, they're typically no maintenance.

5. Put up landscape barrier edging around the whole thing. Put down landscape weed cloth between plants and put down mulch to an inch or so in depth.
Be careful in picking a dogwood. Some require a good bit of shade to grow and if they have constant sunlight, they will die. Made that mistake a while back when I got the wrong one.
User avatar
Grizzled
Hall of Famer
Posts: 6119
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:55 pm
Has thanked: 697 times
Been thanked: 646 times

Arkansasbear wrote: Tue Oct 01, 2024 9:49 am
Grizzled wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 1:36 pm

Hey Rich, I'm recommending this for a low maintenance front lawn:

1. Plant a dogwood tree. They typically grow upwards of 15 to 25 feet tall. The Kousa variety is good for shade but others do better in sun. Available with White, Pink, and Red flowers. Will grow upwards of 1 to 2 feet per year. Red berries after flowering, much loved by birds. Very nice fall color

2. If you have room, plant a Maple about 10 to 15 feet away from the Dogwood. Unless you want a really big tree, look for a Japanese Maple, they grow to 10 to 15 feet tall. Fast growing, great fall color.

3. Between the 2 trees, plant a couple of shrubs. Hollies are evergreen and there are varieties which reach from 3 to 25 feet in height (I'd look for the smaller ones like Japanese Holly, 3 to 4 feet high). Other shrub possibilities include Butterfly Bush, Viburnum, and Weigelia.

4. Fill in with perennial flowers (last for several years). Many many types. You can also throw in ground covers, they're typically no maintenance.

5. Put up landscape barrier edging around the whole thing. Put down landscape weed cloth between plants and put down mulch to an inch or so in depth.
Be careful in picking a dogwood. Some require a good bit of shade to grow and if they have constant sunlight, they will die. Made that mistake a while back when I got the wrong one.
Dogwoods do well with morning sun and afternoon shade. Kousa Dogwood does well in heavier shade.
Post Reply