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With the new year comes new beginnings, and that applies to your lawn and landscape too! A lot of details and preparations go into making your lawn and landscape shine, and winter is when we lay the foundation for the year ahead.
Reviving Your Outdoor Space If your landscaping seems tired or you're just ready for a change, consider giving it a makeover. There are many ways to revive your outdoor space and make it the envy of the neighborhood. Fresh Mulch A thick layer of fresh mulch not only retains moisture in the ground for your plants but also helps regulate ground temperature in summer and winter. It deters spring weeds and creates a polished look. Plus, we can offer a variety of mulches and colors to suit your aesthetic preferences! Did you know that new mulch instantly improves appearance and curb appeal, and can even increase the value of your home? It's a small change that can make a big difference. Pine Straw Pine straw creates a clean appearance and is relatively inexpensive. The best time to refresh pine straw beds is after the last of the leaves have fallen. Planting Shrubs & Trees Fall and Winter is a fantastic time to plan out a new Landscape Design or refresh an old tired bed. We can work with you to create a tailored plan and discuss the best time to plant the new landscape. Many of our plants are winter hardy and can be planted year-round, bringing life and color back into your landscape. Winter Lawn Healthcare Contrary to popular belief, lawn care doesn't end with the warm weather, in fact, it's just getting started! As Carlito says, "For a healthy lawn, keep the leaves off the grass!" What Your Lawn Needs in Winter So what does your lawn need in the winter? And how do you know when it should happen? Good News! If you have a Complete Maintenance Plan or our Turf Care Plan, we take care of the details for you! Upcoming Lawn Treatments Let our experts handle your turfcare needs! Here's a sneak peek into our winter treatment plan:
To see pictures and view this article in a printable format, check out our winter newsletter here: '23-'24 Winter Newsletter For more information about our Complete Maintenance and Turf Care Plans, feel free to e-mail us at [email protected]. 
A well-contoured lawn looks great and helps improve drainage and prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas. If your lawn has dips and holes, or if water tends to collect in certain spots, Lawns by Carlito can help to reshape areas of your lawn for better drainage and a more even appearance.
Our Contouring Process
Our process involves cultivating or tilling the soil to break up compacted areas and improve soil structure. We re-grade your lawn, creating a gentle slope that directs water away from your home. We can also add more soil, nutrients, or pH additives if needed to improve the health and vitality of your lawn. With our expertise and professional equipment, Lawns by Carlito can transform your lawn into a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Addressing Draining Problems in Your LawnPoor drainage can create many problems for homeowners. When water collects in low-lying areas of your lawn, it can create muddy, unsightly, swampy conditions that are challenging to manage. Standing water can also attract mosquitoes and other pests, leading to increased disease and health issues for your lawn. Over time, excess moisture can damage the roots of your grass and other plants. Damaged roots will lead to yellowing, wilting, and, eventually, dead spots in the lawn. By reshaping the surface of your lawn to create a gentle slope, water is directed away from low-lying areas and towards designated drainage points. Our solutions help to prevent water from pooling on the surface of your lawn and promote better drainage throughout your landscape. As a result, your lawn will be healthier, more attractive, and easier to maintain. Solutions for Lawns w ith Drainage IssuesThe three most common solutions to various drainage issues offered by Lawns by Carlito are lawn re-contouring, French drains, and diverting rain gutter runoff. Each of these serves a specific purpose and targets different drainage problems. Our experience allows us to recommend and create the best solution for your unique lawn. Lawn Re-ContouringLawn re-contouring involves reshaping the surface of your lawn to create a gentle slope that lets water drain to a designated area. This is particularly effective for addressing surface water pooling on your lawn. By creating a gradual incline, we 'guide' the water away from flat spots or areas with inconsistent dips, preventing them from becoming waterlogged. The re-contoured lawn ensures better water drainage throughout your landscape, reducing over-saturation risk and promoting healthier grass growth. Re-contouring also improves the appearance of your lawn, making it more visually appealing and easier to maintain. French DrainsFrench drains are an excellent solution for addressing subsurface water accumulation and directing it away from your lawn. A French drain is installed underground and consists of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel or rock. The drain intercepts and collects excess water from the soil, preventing it from seeping into low-lying areas or causing waterlogging. The collected water channels toward a designated drainage point or a safe runoff area. French drains are most useful for lawns or areas with high groundwater levels, heavy clay soils, or locations prone to heavy rainfall. They alleviate many underground water issues, promote better drainage, and reduce the risk of water damage to your lawn. Diverting Rain Gutter RunoffEven correctly placed and installed gutters can create rainwater runoff. Rain gutter runoff diversion manages and controls water flow from your roof's gutters. We carefully redirect the water away from your lawn and foundation to prevent potential water damage. By installing downspout extensions or diverters, we guide the rainwater towards a designated drainage system, like a drainage ditch, rain garden, or stormwater collection system. We recommend diverting gutter runoff for areas where the rain gutters spill large volumes of water near the lawn, causing the water to accumulate and cause erosion. By efficiently managing the roof runoff, we safeguard your lawn from excess moisture, create proper drainage and preserve the structural integrity of your home's foundation. Lawns by Carlito, Durham’s Professional Lawn Solution Provider
Lawns by Carlito provides the best and most effective custom options to address drainage issues. Whether you're dealing with surface water pooling, subsurface water accumulation, or roof runoff, we can improve the drainage on your property. Implementing our solutions promotes healthier grass growth, a more attractive lawn, and easier maintenance. Most importantly, we can help prevent water-related damage and help you maintain your landscape!
If you have noticed any drainage issues we mentioned above; pooling water, dips or little dips with water in them, water from gutters standing against your home's foundation, or other water concerns,please contact us here so we can help you transform your lawn. 
Lawns by Carlito takes pride in helping our clients achieve lush and healthy lawns in Durham. We understand the importance of core aeration and overseeding in maintaining a resilient (and visually stunning) lawn. As the prime time to perform aeration and overseeding is fast approaching, we want to shed light on why your lawn won't look as lush or be as healthy if you don't aerate and seed every year.
The Impact of Skipping Core Aeration and Overseeding
A common misconception among homeowners is that aeration and overseeding are a one-time task or an optional practice. But skipping these important lawn care services can have significant consequences for the long-term health and beauty of your turf.
Aeration
Lawn aeration is basically creating small holes or channels in the soil to facilitate the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots. Compacted soil is a common issue that many lawns face in North Carolina.
We use specialized equipment called core aerators during the aeration process. They puncture the soil, creating small cores or holes, which allows improved air circulation, better water penetration, and enhanced nutrient absorption. This, in turn, promotes healthier lawns and encourages deep root growth. . In the Durham area, Aeration of Fescue lawns is recommended during the cooler fall period while the grass is still actively growing. Performing aeration and overseeding during this period allows for easier seed germination and the baby grass can take full advantage of the cooler weather. Aeration Lessens Soil CompactionCompacted soil can have several adverse effects on the overall health of your lawn. Impacted or overly dense soil can keep your roots from being able to develop properly. Compacted soil prevents adequate water infiltration through to the roots of your grass. When enough water isn’t reaching the grass roots, there is a viable risk of drought stress, especially given the high temperatures in our region of the state. The other major problem with compacted soil is that it contains lower oxygen levels. Insufficient oxygen deprives the roots of their proper function, leading to potential root die-off. Your lawn may also show thinning or yellowing grass, increased runoff and erosion, and more susceptibility to pests and diseases. Annual aeration helps combat soil compaction, ensuring your lawn's roots can thrive and contribute to a healthy and beautiful lawn. Benefits of Overseeding when Aerating your LawnFilling holes created by Aeration
Fescue lawns do not regenerate as compared to warm season lawns so it is important to reseed when lawns are aerated to avoid weeds from taking over. Ever notice that weeds tend to appear in the barest spots of your yard? This is because healthy lush lawns naturally deter weeds from germinating and growing and this is why annual aeration and overseeding is required to maintain a healthy lush lawn. Fescue lawns need to be reseeded to fill in bare spots created by the aerator and or summer heat and drought, this will ensure a thicker, healthier lawn in the coming year.
Boosting Aging Grass
As grass plants age, they naturally produce less chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. This reduction in chlorophyll hinders their ability to convert sunlight into energy, making them weaker and more susceptible to damage. Additionally, aging grass plants develop weaker roots, which are responsible for anchoring them in the soil and providing essential water and nutrients. Not only do the roots weaken with age, but the stems and blades of grass also lose their strength. The stems support the leaves and blades of grass, and as they weaken, the grass becomes more prone to damage from wind and heavy rain.
Limited Genetic Diversity Weakens Your Lawn
The grass in your lawn may also lose its vitality because of common genetic limitations. Older grass varieties may become less resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental challenges, producing a weakened lawn. Overseeding with a Fescue blend grass seed introduces different varieties, which adds genetic diversity and resilience in your lawn. Without regular overseeding, your lawn may become thin and patchy.
To counteract these aging effects and ensure a healthier lawn, regular overseeding is necessary. Overseeding involves planting new grass seeds into an existing lawn, introducing new, healthy grass plants to replenish the weakened ones. This process not only promotes a thicker and more lush lawn but also helps to fill in any bare spots, improving the overall aesthetics and functionality of your turf. By incorporating overseeding into your lawn care routine, you can breathe new life into your lawn. Addressing Changing Climate and Soil Conditions
Our North Carolina climate can be unpredictable, with varying weather patterns from year to year. Aeration and overseeding allow your lawn to adapt better to changing conditions. New fescue blend grass seed varieties are chosen due to their ability to thrive in the current climate and soil conditions, providing your lawn with the best chance of continued success.
Maximizing the Benefits of Aeration and Overseeding
By aerating and overseeding your lawn annually, you will:
Let Lawns by Carlito Keep Your Lawn Healthy
We firmly believe that core aeration and overseeding are necessary components of a successful lawn care plan. Skipping these can lead to a weak and patchy lawn that struggles to cope with environmental challenges. Our professional team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring your lawn receives the care it deserves year after year.
Give your North Carolina lawn the boost it deserves with regular core aeration and overseeding, and watch it thrive like never before. Contact us today to schedule your lawn care consultation and take the first step towards a sustainable and healthy lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood. We are committed to helping you achieve the lawn of your dreams, one that leaves a lasting impression and brings joy to your outdoor spaces throughout the year. 
Professional Custom Lawn Services in DurhamOver the past decade Lawns by Carlito has worked to become known as one of the premier Lawn Maintenance Companies in Durham, North Carolina. We have worked to create a professional lawn service that is committed to providing solid customer service. Looking back at the last decade of work we are proud of our loyal customer base and dedicated team that we have built.
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