A Tough Winter for Lawns

James Parker, Fairway Lawns Tulsa branch manager, explains how their company can restore your lawn to the lush green it was before the harsh winter.

Fairway Lawns Branch Manager James Parker with one of the company’s new spray rigs that is now in service in the Tulsa metro area.

Just as winter 2010-2011 was one of the worst in recorded history for northeastern Oklahoma, it will also be one of the most devastating to area yards and shrubs. James Parker, Fairway Lawns Tulsa branch manager, says, “No doubt area lawns and shrubs will experience a lot of winterkill from all the ice and snow we received this winter.” The question then becomes, what can be done to preserve our lawns and plants and bring them back this spring?

For what seemed like an eternity to most of us, our once plush lawns lay under a thick blanket of snow and ice. Though it’s not the end of the world, with the deep snow, frozen ground and cold temperatures, your lawn was most likely deprived of many of the nutrients it needed, and may now look like it’s damaged beyond repair. “With a little time and the right treatments,” says Parker, “Fairway Lawns should be able to revive your lawn and restore it to its former lushness.”

A Fairway Lawns professional will make a recommendation for treatments, explain available services, and provide you with a price quote to not only get your lawn looking great once again, but to keep it looking that way throughout the year.

As soils begin to warm and receive a little moisture, the door is slung wide open to Oklahoma’s pesky weed season. Late February and March usually mark the beginning of the battle with our notorious weed monsters. “Fortunately, weeds are not as fond of healthy lawns as they are of unhealthy ones, and it’s much easier to fight off weeds, pests and diseases when your lawn is well cared for,” Parker explains. Virtually every lawn is going to have some weeds appearing from time to time. It may surprise you to know that your lawn has other enemies including house pets, lawn fungus, and even mushrooms. But if you get a quick start on treating potential problem causes before they actually become problems, you and Fairway Lawns can keep your turf looking picture perfect throughout the growing season.  

A lot of us really don’t have a clue about what and when to apply appropriate treatments to our lawns. Now is a good time to apply a pre-emergent and a good post-emergent weed control application. Many of the weeds we’ll be seeing that are common to northeastern Oklahoma include chickweed, henbit, dandelion, ­dallisgrass, corn speedwell, and quite literally, dozens more.

The trees and shrubs surrounding our homes and businesses need more care than those growing in natural or forest environments. Although the ecosystem works perfectly in a natural environment, our homes are not such. Trees and shrubs need fertilization, though the results are not as quickly apparent as they are with lawn fertilization. But, when you consider the sizeable investments we make in trees, shrubs and flowerbeds, overlooking their care can be a costly mistake. They are very expensive to replace. And just as with our lawns, now is a great time to begin feeding shrubs, trees and ornamentals. You may have already noticed that many of these plants also suffered damage from the severity of the winter.

One last note: If you like to “tweet” on Twitter, you now have the opportunity do so with the professionals at Fairway Lawns by following @LoveUrLawn. Call or visit Fairway’s website, where you will find answers to many frequently asked questions. Call for a free estimate and evaluation from a Fairway Lawns professional today and enjoy the beauty of your professionally pampered lawn and plants throughout the year.

For more information, contact

Fairway Lawns

www.fairwaylawns.com

About Author Duane Blankenship

Blankenship graduated from the University of Oklahoma and has enjoyed a lifetime career in advertising. He started his own advertising business in 1993 and enjoys creating graphic art and writing. Hobbies include hunting, fishing and pencil drawings. Duane and his wife, Janice, have been married over 50 years and are active in their church and community. He has been a contributing writer for Value News/Values Magazine since 2005.