How To Avoid Making A Mountain If You Find A Molehill In Your Yard
Moles are a common pest, found in backyards and gardens throughout the United States. A mole problem can be identified by the tell-tale round, raised ridges 3-5 inches in size popping up on your lawn's surface, accompanied by what appears to be tiny volcanos.

Moles, which are roughly 7 inches in length from head to tail, have high-metabolisms and insatiable appetites - some varieties have been known to eat more than their weight in food in one day! They use their large front paws to dig through unsuspecting homeowner's land, and feed off of grubs, earthworms, and ants. Compliance manager of Bell Laboratories (they make the mole poison Talprid) Craig Riekena reports, "They are pretty well adapted to life underground. Their fur flies and flexes against their skin in a way that lets them tunnel as if they're swimming."

Moles can cause serious damage to lawns, as once they start digging tunnels, they destroy sections of green grass and uprooting plants. Once the grass roots are destroyed, the tips will turn brown and unsightly quick. Some molehills can be massive enough to destroy lawnmower blades and housings. Flower beds are going to be other hot spots for moles, particularly because their prey tend to hang out near flowers, shrubs, and roots. The moles will dig and scrape the surrounding dirt away, removing the plant's foundation, which will inevitably cause your plants to die, as they can no longer get their much-needed nourishment.

The quickest and most effective way to eliminate these destructive pests is to poison or trap them. However, there are other options if you are concerned about getting rid of these uninvited guests in a humane way. Here are some different ways that you can say goodbye to moles:

Mole-Specific Traps: There are traps made specifically for trapping and killing moles. Some are for use above ground, and some below. If you follow the instructions carefully, you should succeed.

Poison: Believe it or not, even commercial bought mole extinguisher and poisons are less effective than traps, because traps utilize a bait that will draw them to the trap, and then kill them quickly.

Humane options: A common homemade repellent is made by mixing cayenne pepper, castor oil, and soap. This mix will irritate the moles skin, and hopefully send them packing to another yard. Other humane, natural repellents are garlic and chocolate lilies. If you added these plants to your garden, it might take a little longer, but the moles will leave, as they cannot stand these plants.

Just remember to stay calm. If you suspect you have a mole problem, you will probably only have to get rid of one or two moles. Only in very extreme cases have there been reports of many more. Now, get out there and defend that beautiful garden you put so much effort into!

The world outside is beginning to get beautiful again after a long winter. The sun is sticking around a bit longer, and Spring lawn care routine is steadily rising to the top of your priorities. You’ve already started fantasizing about the fun memories you are going to create in your yard. But wait, there is a problem; the lawn outside is nothing compared to the perfect lush green lawn that you are dreaming of. You will have to address a few important Spring tasks to make the lawn look as perfect as the one in your mind. We have created this guide to help you take care of your lawn this Spring.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #1: Raking
Raking should be your first task of Spring lawn care. Most homeowners assume that they don’t have to rake their lawns in Spring since they already raked leaves in the fall. Well, this assumption is wrong. Raking is for more than just removing leaves; it is for removing thatch too. Generally, thatch build up begins when turf produces organic debris (crowns, stem nodes, roots and fibers of vascular tissues) faster than it can be synthesized.

A thatch build-up of to 1/2 inch is deemed excessive. Apart from removing thatch, Spring raking also helps in solving the problem of matted patches. This is when the grass blades are all stuck together due to a disease such as snow mold. Matted patches make it difficult for new grass to penetrate through. However, this issue can be corrected by a light raking.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #2: Mow Low to Remove Dead Tops of Grass
After you have removed thatch build-up, it is time for your first mowing of the season. Adjust your mower to a reasonably low mowing height (about 1-1/2 inches). The first mow is important as it removes dead leaf blades and opens the turf up to air circulation and sunshine. Aeration reduces compaction, stimulates new root growth, controls thatch, and allows air to reach the roots of your lawn.

After your first mow of the season, mow as often as required rather than following a weekly mowing schedule. As a rule of thumb, base your mowing frequency on the growth rate of your grass.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #3: Go Easy on Watering
It is usually tempting to start watering in early Spring, but you should not do it. There is usually ample water to keep your lawn healthy. Hold on until you see signs of wilt, which you may notice in late Spring or early Summer or maybe later than that. Watering your lawn too early encourages shallow root growth, and this may result in a lawn that can’t withstand the hot, dry Summer weather. If you water too early, you will end up with a dry lawn; you wouldn’t like that especially during the picnic season. When you begin watering, do it deeply and wait until the grass wilt slightly before watering again.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #4: Hold Out on Fertilizing
Spring is not a good time for fertilizing the lawn. This is because new growth is likely to be scorched during summer when the weather gets warm (particularly important in climates affected by drought). However, if your lawn is not healthy, experts recommend a lighter application during this season. Just remember to withhold heavier application until autumn.

The exception is for warm season grasses such as the St. Augustine. These grasses may need a new layer of fertilizer during this season since they tend to soak up nutrients when the weather turns hot. For these types of grasses, fertilize in mid-to-late Spring or as soon as you notice the grass begin to green up and show active growth.

If you neglect Spring lawn care, you risk paying for it the rest of the year. Therefore, apply these tips to get that perfect lush, green, weed-free yard.