The Importance of Aerating Your Lawn

Key Takeaways

Lawn aeration benefits:

• Improved nutrient and water absorption: Aeration creates channels in compacted soil, enhancing movement of water and nutrients to grassroots.
• Root growth facilitation: Reduces soil compaction, allowing roots to grow more freely.
• Thatch management: Helps break down thatch, preventing it from blocking water and nutrients from reaching the soil.

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If you are like most homeowners, you probably know when to water, mow, and fertilize your lawn.   The problem is, with the compacted, dry soil we have here in Nevada, most of the nutrients we put on our lawns don't actually reach the soil.  This is why aeration is such an important component to lawn maintenance.

There are two common questions we want to answer for you about lawn aeration - what is aeration and when does my lawn need aeration?

What Exactly Is Aeration?

Aeration is an essential part of a healthy lawn's maintenance. Aeration is a process wherein air channels are created within the soil to allow for more effortless movement of nutrients and water. This is especially necessary if the soil in your yard is compacted as it makes it harder for water and nutrients to infiltrate the ground.  Even roots find it hard to grow in such a tight environment. If this is the kind of soil you have, erosion and nutrient loss often happen. To reduce soil compaction and improve overall water infiltration, you need to aerate your lawn. 

When Does Your Lawn Need Aeration?

While not always necessary, here are some instances when you may want to aerate your lawn:

Highly Trafficked Lawns

If your lawn is highly trafficked by people or you have added heavy objects onto the lawn (think of areas of your lawn that are walked on consistently? ), more than likely, the ground is constantly getting compacted down. With the soil being compacted down, the nutrients that you want to enter into the soil don’t actually reach the places they need to go.  Aeration creates those “holes” to let nutrients in.

When the Grass Was Laid Down Together with a Newly Constructed Home

When a home is built, the existing topsoil is stripped or buried. All that's remaining for the grassroots to grow on would be compacted subsoil. This holds minimal nutrients, and you need to aerate the lawn to ensure that grass will grow well.  Be sure not to aerate while the grass is still initially trying to root.  Let the grass become established before punching holes in fresh sod. 

When the Grass Was Laid Down as Sod

Soil layering happens when there are different types of earth layered without mixing. This occurs when sod rolls are laid down over an already existing flat surface of the dirt. In such cases, a barrier develops naturally between the varying soil types, especially if the sod is made with sand that has more refined grains than coarse dirt underneath it. The water source is left behind because the finer-grained sand will hold the water, and the roots won't sink into coarse soil. Ultimately, you'll only get matted roots with no soil left for them to feed upon. As you can guess, grass will start dying then. 

Grass Dries Out Easily and Feels Quite Springy

Do you notice that your grass dries out all the time and feels quite springy? If so, you probably have too much thatch or a layer of dead grass that has built up between the soil's surface and the green grass. Because thatch can also get compacted as the earth does, water and nutrients are kept from passing down to the grassroots, too. 

Conclusion

Aeration is indeed a great way to help ensure a healthy lawn. Especially when the soil is compacted or when things are getting in the way of the nutrients that are supposed to be absorbed by the grass. It would be best to aerate during the growing season so that the grass can start repairing itself immediately and begin filling in the spaces left by the aeration. This will give your grass the best chance to get healthy and absorb water and nutrients needed for growth.

Cory's Lawn Service is a trusted team of professionals that offers lawn aeration and other lawn care services in Reno and nearby areas. Contact us today to learn more about our lawn care services!

Winter Lawn Fertilizer: Preparing Your Lawn for a Healthy Winter

Key Takeaways

Tips for winter lawn care:

• Strengthen Roots: Winter lawn fertilizer nourishes roots to withstand cold and prepare for healthy spring growth.
• Frost Resistance: Properly applied fertilizer enhances your lawn's resilience against frost and harsh winter weather.
• Nutrient Balance: Selecting the right mix, including slow-release nitrogen and potassium, ensures optimal root health during winter.
• Professional Expertise: Cory's Lawn Service provides expert winterizing to protect your lawn with precise care and application techniques.

Check out our lawn fertilization services.

Winter is a critical time for lawn care, and using the right winter lawn fertilizer can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy yard. Whether prepping your lawn for a lush return in spring or ensuring it weathers the cold months unscathed, understanding the benefits of winter lawn fertilizer is key.

Why Winter Lawn Fertilizer Matters

During the winter, your lawn may appear dormant, but the roots beneath the soil are still hard at work. Applying a specialized winter lawn fertilizer provides essential nutrients that:

• Strengthen root systems.

• Enhance resilience against frost.

• Promote healthier, greener growth in spring.

Neglecting winter lawn care can leave your grass vulnerable to damage, making a recovery more difficult and costly when the warmer months arrive.

How to Choose the Best Winter Lawn Fertilizer

Selecting the right fertilizer for winterizing your lawn is essential. Here’s what to look for:

1. Nitrogen Content: Opt for a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content and slow-release nitrogen to sustain your lawn over the colder months.

2. Potassium and Phosphorus Boosts: Potassium and Phosphorus support root health and enhances your lawn's cold tolerance.

When and How to Apply Winter Lawn Fertilizer

Timing and technique are everything when it comes to applying winter lawn fertilizer. Follow these expert tips:

1. Apply in Late Fall: Once your lawn has stopped actively growing but before the ground freezes and your irrigation system is shut off, it’s the perfect time to fertilize.

2. Mow and Rake First: Ensure your lawn is clear of leaves and debris even when applying.

3. Spread Evenly: Use a spreader to achieve consistent coverage, avoiding patches that could over- or under-fertilize.

Professional Winterizing Services by Cory’s Lawn Service

At Cory’s Lawn Service, we understand that winter lawn care can be daunting. That’s why we offer professional winterizing services designed to keep your lawn in optimal condition throughout the cold months. From choosing the ideal fertilizer to expert application, our team has the tools and expertise to protect your grass against winter stress.

Maintaining a healthy yard year-round starts with the right care and attention during winter. With our guidance and services, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your lawn is prepared to thrive, even in the harshest weather. Contact Cory’s Lawn Service today to schedule your winter lawn fertilizer application and take the first step toward a greener, healthier lawn.

Understanding the Importance of Turf Density

Key Takeaways

Turf density enhances:

• Soil protection: Dense turf prevents soil erosion and degradation by shielding soil from direct impacts of rain and wind.
• Weed suppression: High turf density limits the space available for weeds to establish, naturally reducing weed growth.
• Aesthetic appeal: A dense lawn offers a lush, vibrant appearance, contributing to the overall beauty of landscapes.
• Durability: Dense turf withstands wear and tear better, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Check out our lawn fertilization and weed control services.

Many variables influence lawn density. Grass can become suffocated and perish as a result of lawn moss. Grass thatch, which is dead grass left behind from mowing, can cause a lawn to become dry, oxygen-depleted, and die in sections. Aerating, dethatching, and feeding your lawn correctly will allow it to breathe, acquire nutrients, and allow new grass to grow.

If you need help learning the importance of turf density, make sure to read on. 

Getting A Thicker Lawn in Five Easy Steps

1. Improve Soil 

Soil testing pays off handsomely in the form of lush, healthy grass growth. Take advice from the professionals and test your soil to get the most out of every step you take toward thicker grass. A soil test provides you with a precise starting point for your lawn's specific requirements, as well as advice for addressing any underlying issues. 

The pH of your soil and other characteristics that might stifle thick growth is revealed through testing. And by following test suggestions, you don't need to guess what you need to do to enhance your soil. 

Your grass cannot absorb nutrients if the pH of the soil is too low. Testing will reveal whether your lawn needs lime or other soil additions to restore pH balance and nutrient availability, allowing grass to grow thick and lush again.

2. Overseed

Overseeding puts grass seed into existing grass to thicken thin lawns or prevent them from becoming thin. New grass fills the gaps, giving it a lusher feel and appearance. This is a great way to improve the condition of your grass and make it thicker. You'll get better performance from grass produced via industry-leading research when you use premium grass seed (along with aeration where the new seed is allowed to fall into the aeration holes for protection from birds and heat).

Always pick a grass suitable for your location, climate, and lawn conditions. For example, if you're growing grass in the shade, shade-tolerant grasses can help you achieve the dense grass you want.

3. Fertilize

Lawn grasses, like other plants, require adequate nutrition. Unfortunately, minerals in the soil are frequently washed away by rainfall and irrigation. Fertilizing your grass regularly during the growing season will provide the nutrients it needs for healthier growth.

4. Irrigate

Once your thicker grass has established itself, you must maintain appropriate lawn watering methods to ensure that it receives enough water and remains thick. Grass seedlings need a lot of moisture to germinate and fill in gaps between existing grass. 

Once established, lawns require around 1 inch of water each week, whether from the rain or through your irrigation system. Deep, thorough watering promotes deep root development, resulting in thicker lawns.

5. Mow Properly 

Using proper mowing techniques allows your grass to grow thick and stay that way. Rather than mowing according to your weekly chores calendar, it's best to mow depending on the specific demands of the grass. 

Mow your grass at the frequency needed to keep it at the optimum mowing height without eliminating more than one-third of it in a single session. Many of the stressors that generate thin, unsightly lawns may be avoided by doing this.

Conclusion 

No matter your at-home lawn care needs, make sure you work with a high-quality lawn services company to get the best results. 

At Cory's Lawn Service, we deliver top-notch customer service in maintaining beautiful lawns and giving our customers the best experience. Contact us today if you need lawn mowing services, lawn fertilization, weed control, yard clean-up, sprinkler repairs, lawn aeration, or residential snow removal!

Grass Mowing 101

mowing grass

Key Takeaways

Grass mowing essentials:

• 1/3 Rule: Never cut more than a third of the grass length to prevent damage.
• Optimal Height: For cooler climates, maintaining a grass height of 2-3 inches is ideal.
• Bag or Mulch: Mulching is recommended for regular mowers as it naturally fertilizes the turf.
• String Trimmers: Use carefully around tree trunks to prevent damage.

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If you are like me, the very first time you started to cut your grass you had absolutely no clue what you were doing. Just as it is dangerous to give a sharp knife to a baby, it can be dangerous to our lawn to give a man a mower without proper knowledge of how to use it. Since the grass is just starting to grow this season, you should consider when it's the right time to pull out the dusty old lawn mower and give the grass its first haircut.  But while lawn mowing seems simple enough, most people don't know that there are actually a few basic things to keep in mind to ensure the best health of the lawn.

Use the 1/3 rule:

You never want to cut your grass more than one third of its current length. Cutting any more than this can be damaging for the turf. If you skipped a week of mowing and now the height of your lawn is excessive, make sure to raise up the height of the mower before you cut, then mow a few days later with your normal mowing height.

Length of Grass:

Since Reno is considered a cool climate consisting of mainly Kentucky Blue Grass and Fescue, our mowing height is going to be slightly longer than that of warm climate grasses. In general, around 2-3" is a good height for our region. Do keep in mind that during the hotter summer months you will want to keep you grass a little longer to help protect your turf.

Bag or Mulch:

If you are a home owner and are on a consistent once a week mowing schedule, I would suggest mulching your grass clippings. Clippings are actually a natural fertilizer for your turf as long as it is mowed properly. If you mow your lawn once a month and ignore the first two suggestions, then the clippings are not small enough to break down to become fertilizer for the soil and will actually damage your lawn if left in larger clumps. If you have large clumps of grass after mulch mowing, then make sure you rake those up before calling it a day.

damaged tree

Side Note for String Timmers:

If you have a string trimmer and want nice edges around your grass, or to clear the grass from around the tree trunks, be careful! It might seem like tree trunks are durable enough to take the abuse of a small amount of string, but after weekly beatings the string will actually break down the bark of the tree and kill it. Check out this BLOG for more information about how to protect your trees for string trimmers and mowers and just be careful.

Turn Me On (Irrigation)

irrigation activation

Key Takeaways

Irrigation timing insights:

• Early Activation (3/20-4/10): Ideal for those prioritizing a green lawn early, with risks of pipe damage.
• Mid-Season Activation (4/10-4/30): Balances greenery timing and system safety, avoiding late frosts.
• Late Season Activation (5/1-5/20): Saves on water bills, potentially stressing the lawn for deeper root growth.

Check out our irrigation and sprinkler services.

The Reno climate really makes it difficult to answer the question "when is the appropriate time to activate the irrigation system." Although Reno's climate promotes the grass to go dormant during the winter, the lack of rain and snow this winter, along with warmer temperatures, has people wondering when they should activate their water. Truthfully, there is no single answer to this question. However, depending on what type of person you are, there are a fe suggestions as to when you want to activate your water.

Early Activation (3/20-4/10)

This time is usually when most lawn care companies will activate their water, for both commercial and residential sites. This is normally done at this time because faster growing grass means mowing can be done sooner, which equals more money. At this point in time, the weather should be done with the hard frost, the ground should have thawed out, and freezing pipes SHOULD be out of the question. However, there is still a chance that a really cold night could leave you with a cracked pipe in the morning. If you want to be the first person on the block with a green lawn and believe this is better than possibly having a cracked pipe - then go for it, just be aware of the possible repercussions.

Mid-Season Activation (4/10-4/30)

This is the point in time where most people probably activate the irrigation system. Although you will not be the first on the block with the green lawn, you won't be the last. During this period, observe when the forecast no longer shows sporadic nights in the 20's, then have the piece of mind that nothing will break in the night. By waiting this long you have saved on your water bill for just a bit longer, and no damage has been done to the grass or the irrigation system. The downfall of waiting until this point is that many companies have already started to aerate, and if your lawn has not had a good soaking before the aeration process you might not get good cores out of your lawn. For more information about this, check out Lawn Aeration Part 2.

Late Season Activation ( 5/1- 5/20)

Unfortunately, the downside to waiting this long is that you will most likely be the last person on the block to have a green lawn, and after a winter like we just had this might be pushing the sustainable drought period of your lawn. The only benefit in waiting till this time is the amount of money you will be saving on your water bill. However, a period of drought for you lawn may actually encourage the roots in the lawn to grow deeper, as they try and find water further down in the soil. This is a good thing. Just make sure that you are not stressing your lawn out too much if no amount of rain has accumulated throughout the previous months.

Ultimately, you want to decide what type of person you are when it comes to activating your irrigation. Weigh out the pros and cons to these time periods, and figure out what works best for you and your property.

Watering your Lawn 101

funny watering lawn

Key Takeaways

Effective lawn watering insights:

• Optimal Timing: Watering between 4am and 10am reduces evaporation and wind interference.
• Proper Quantity: Ensuring your lawn receives 1" of water weekly can be measured with a simple can test.
• Addressing Brown Spots: Before assuming disease, check for poor sprinkler coverage as a potential cause.
• Regulation Compliance: Adhere to assigned watering days to avoid fines and support water conservation.

Check out our sprinkler services.

Now that we are a few weeks into the mowing season and the weather is warming up, many people are wondering how much they should water their lawn using a programmable irrigation system. I wish that there was a single answer like, "water these three times and I guarantee you will have a green lawn," but, unfortunately, it is not that easy. However, there are some watering times that are better than others, and some basic tips to see how much water your lawn needs, so let me help you with your lawn watering questions in the Reno area. When Should I Water?

After reading this you will realize this is common sense for the Reno area, but we live in a desert. During the summer, from early afternoon through late afternoon it normally gets hot and windy. If you water in the late afternoon you will most likely experience a higher evaporation rate, as well as water blowing into the streets instead of your lawn! Considering this, I recommend loading up and watering your lawn between the hours of 4am and 10am.

How much should I water?

This is where things get a little tricky, but the rule of thumb is to make sure your lawn is getting 1" of water a week. Some gauge this by placing a tuna can in the middle of the yard and measuring the water accumulated throughout the week. If you perform this test, realize that some areas of your lawn are probably exposed to the sun for longer periods of time throughout the day, so set up the can in a shaded spot as well as a sunny spot for a more accurate measurement.

bad watering

What To Do If You Have Brown Spots:

Most people assume that if their lawn is developing some dead spots it is due to some type of lawn disease, but this might not always be the case. Normally, brown spots are due to poor sprinkler coverage. If you have some dead spots you should check the sprinkler coverage before jumping to any other conclusions. All you have to do is turn on your water and see if the brown spots are being reached by the sprinklers. You will be able to quickly tell if the sprinkler heads have been knocked out of place or broken.

Are There Days I Can't Water?

The answer to this question is "yes." Here is Reno, we have assigned watering days set by Truckee Meadows Water Authority, which states:

- Even Address: Watering Days = Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

- Odd Address: Watering Days= Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Anything Else?

The good news about the Kentucky blue grass that is mainly grown in Reno is that it is able sustain a rather long drought period, like the ones we see during the winter when the lawn goes dormant. So, if you have brown spots, forgot to activate the irrigation system, or went on vacation and your water was shut off, then there is a good chance your turf will be able to withstand this period of drought. Also, make sure not to starve your lawn by under watering it, and make sure to water on your assigned TMWA days or you might end up with a fine for failing to follow the rules.

Summertime Mowing Tips

summer mowing

Key Takeaways

Summertime lawn care offers:

• Sprinkler Check: Ensure sprinklers are correctly aimed to prevent water waste.
• Watering Adjustment: Increase watering times for deeper soil penetration, avoiding short, shallow cycles.
• Fertilizer Application: Apply slow-release fertilizers for sustained lawn nourishment.
• Mower Height: Raise the mower height to reduce stress on your lawn during hot periods.

Check out our lawn mowing services.

Summertime is here and it is time to make sure that your lawn and lawn equiptment is not neglected. It is very common for people to apply that first fertilizer application, set the sprinkler timers for spring conditions, and then think that the lawn will be just fine the rest of the season. But just as the weather changes and gets hotter, your lawn's demand will also change for what it needs to keep the lush green that it had in the spring. Below are some tips that I would recommend to consider to keep your lawn and lawn equiptment in tip top shape for the rest of the season.  

1.) Check your Sprinklers:

Sprinkler_Adjustment-300x219

It is very common for sprinkler heads to mysteriously rotate their direction and start watering the pavement instead of the lawn. This could be due to a mower knocking the sprinkler head, edger clipping the side of it, or even just a loose sprinkler head twisting on its own. Since most sprinkler settings are for early morning it is hard to visually see if all the sprinkler heads are still spraying in the correct direction. To check the system, manually activate the timer and double check that every sprinkler head is running correctly. This might involve manually replacing a broken sprinkler head (approximately $3-$15 per head), or just using a small flat head screw driver and some elbow grease to return the sprinkler to the correct position.

2.) Increase watering times:

If you are starting to see the lawn lighten up in color your lawn might need more water. Double check your watering times from what was originally set for the spring and either add another watering time or extend the current watering times a few more minutes. In the summer it is better to have a deep watering cycle so the roots of the grass extend deep into the soil instead of depending on short shallow watering application. This will help the turf in times of drought, but don't over water to the point where severe runoff is occurring.

3.) Fertilize:

This is a good time to apply a second round of fertilizer to your lawn. Most spring application (quick release fertilizer) will last between 4-6 weeks. It is recommended to apply a slower release fertilizer that will last for approximately 8-10 weeks. Ask your local fertilizer dealer for details about the benefits between quick release and slow release fertilizers to see what works best for your lawn.

mower adjustment

4.) Increase mower height:

While most lawns can handle a shorter cut during the spring, the increased heat and periods of drought will cause extra stress on your lawn during the summer. Think of possibly increasing your mower height just one or two "notches" (approximately 1/4" to 1/2") higher than what the lawn was previously being mowed at.

5.) Check your equiptment:

This is a good time to see if you lawn mower and other equiptment needs any maintenance done on it. Check the oil level, sharpness of the mower blade, air filters, spark plugs, and edgers blades to see if anything needs to be replaced or maintained to help the life expectancy of your equiptment. This can either be done on your own with the help of an operation manual or by a local small engines shop for a rather minimal cost.

The Top 5 Essential Lawn Care Tips for Late Summer

Whether you knew it or not, late summer means a change in how to care for your lawn.

We know, we know. Yet another thing to worry about amidst a pandemic, smoke-filled air, and more. 

Well, we can help with that: get a FREE quote here!

Or, you can help yourself and your lawn with these 5 quick-tips to preserve and prepare your summer lawn for the last run into Fall.

Key Takeaways

Late summer lawn care essentials:

• Proper Watering: Deep, infrequent watering fosters deep root growth.
• Mowing Techniques: Mowing with a higher blade setting promotes healthy lawn growth.
• Attention to Weeds: Addressing weeds promptly prevents them from overtaking healthy grass.
• Fertilization: Late summer fertilization prepares the lawn for fall and strengthens it against pests and diseases.

Check out our sprinler, mowing, weed control, and lawn fertilization services.

What Should You Do for your Late Summer Lawn Care?

1. Watering in the early morning

Nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary. But, you’ll want to start with changing your watering times to the early AM. 

Why? 

This is the coolest time of the day with summer still here, and it will allow the grass to soak up every last drop to maintain throughout the warm day without being affected by evaporation or wind.

Need a recommendation for timing? Try between 4 - 10 AM. Maybe have a cup of coffee first.

Pro Tip: Start to cut your grass at a higher level than before. This will provide more shade for the soil to stay cooler for longer.

Speaking of cutting your grass…

2. When was the last time you checked your lawn mower blade?

Like a good chef’s knife, you want an always-sharp mower blade. We won’t judge you if you haven’t checked all summer. But you’re going to want to see what you’re working with right now because believe or not a clean cut will keep your lawn healthy and help retain water.

Obviously, you can eyeball your blade to determine if it’s dull. Another method is to look at the grass edges after a fresh cut: are they ragged or clean cut? That will give you your answer.

So, how exactly do you go about sharpening a lawn mower blade to retake control of your summer lawn? 

The answer is completely up to you.

A few of the common options are to file by hand, find a blade sharpener drill bit attachment, a suitable grindstone, drop off at a local small engine shop, or any method you’re jazzed to try out. 

Just be careful, okay? You don’t want to prematurely end your hand modeling career.

3. Weeds. The roaches of the lawn care world!

This is the bane of any homeowners summer lawn care routine. Unfortunately, your weed problem is just as persistent as ever now as it was in the beginning. 

But you’re up for the challenge, right?

The tried and true option for weed control is to keep on pulling so it doesn’t grow to be out of control. And to double-down on a an in-lawn broadleaf, spray-on weed killer to keep them at bay.

Pro Tip: If you are pulling weeds, be sure to water down to the roots 24 hours before. This should help ensure you get the entire root. Also, make sure to get the correct spray for the type of weed you are dealing with.

And you’ll want to be mindful of where you spray. If you have or plan to grow other things outside of grass, just be careful of both where you spray and the type of spray. 

It could be a determinate to your vegetable plans. But no one likes broccoli anyways.

4. Add fertilizer, the good kind.

Not all fertilizers are created equal, but you’ll want to find one made especially for late summer heading into the Fall. 

During the warmer months is when your grass experiences rapid growth and damage (heat, insects, etc.) which is why you need to apply fertilizer to keep it healthy. 

Just like your growing teenager, there’s never enough food in the house to keep them satisfied. 

Look for fertilizers with soil-amending properties to slow release nitrogen to give your lawn the boost it needs to carry you through the remainder of summer! 

It will also serve you well to preserve key nutrients for a triumphant return next spring.

5. Give us a call.

Does everything above seem like too much work or a little too late?

We get it. I mean, our slogan is “Hire us and take your weekend back!” for good reason.

It may not be too late to save your lawn or at least get it ready for a better start next spring. 

We love what we do and we like to think we do it well. That’s why we offer a Free Quote here!

No matter what, we hope this was helpful and we look forward to sharing more pro lawn care tips and tricks with you!

With grass-stained clothes and smiles on our faces -- thank you for reading!

- Cory’s Lawn Care Services

How to Repair a Damaged Tree Hit By a Mower

tree damage

Key Takeaways

Effective tree repair strategies:

• Immediate Action: Quick response to tree damage can significantly improve recovery chances.
• Careful Pruning: Proper pruning techniques are essential for removing damaged areas without further harming the tree.
• Avoiding Chemicals: Refraining from applying wound paint or sealants aids in the tree's natural healing process.

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It almost doesn't matter how careful you are or how much you try and avoid nicking trees with a string trimmer or mower, over time it is bound to happen. The key is to not leave the damaged tree unattended, and there is a very simple way to help a damaged tree after a chunk has been taken out by a mower. This situation happen to one of my employees recently, which provided the perfect opportunity to show what should be done if a tree is damaged by a mower. The video below is a real situation where the rear tire of the the mower clipped the base of a tree and took out a 3" chunk of bark. Since the trees in the neighborhood are only a few years old, this damage could end up killing the tree if it is not attended to. It is important to recognize the damage right away and keep the bark that has been torn away from the base. By reapplying this piece of bark, like a missing puzzle piece, and duct taping the damaged area to prevent insects and other diseases from harming the tree during its recovery, the tree should heal over a 3 to 6 month period of being wrapped up and cared for.

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