​The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you decide that it's a perfect time to enjoy your outdoor patio for a while. But as you step outside, you notice that your once beautiful patio hardscape has seen better days. The stones or pavers are dirty and stained, weeds are starting to grow between the cracks, and there's mold and mildew buildup. Some parts have so much grime that it's impossible to see any hint of the stone's actual color.

The color... you think back to the day the contractors packed up for the last time as you stood proudly on your newly finished patio, admiring the stones' unique coloration. You had picked it personally, a hue that's somehow both flat-toned and vibrant. You remember how beautifully it accented your outdoor area.

Your mind is pulled back into the present by the vile swamp-green blight which now surrounds you. You feel a trickle of sadness leak into your mind, and shift your weight, too lost in thought to note the slimy texture underfoot. You love your patio, you planned it for weeks with care, and it has welcomed you at the end of many hard days when you needed a place to relax quietly. It brought you together with family and friends. It has been the foundation on top of which dozens of happy memories were built. Now the once warm, inviting backyard getaway is only a shadow of itself. Stone that once reflected the sound of laughter now struggles to even reflect sunlight. The grime-coated surface tells its story of gradually falling into disuse, becoming forgotten....until today. 

Don't worry, the patio you love is still there! You can still bring it back, in all its glory, to the way it looked on the day when you waved goodbye to that installation crew all those years ago! You don't have to completely rip up your patio and start from scratch. With a little bit of elbow grease and the expert tips we're going to give you here, you can easily refurbish your old patio and bring it back to life.

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of reviving your patio and then how to protect it with sealant to keep it in pristine condition!​

The process of restoring your hardscape to look like new is fairly straight forward. Here's a video showing a patio being restored and protected.

While the steps are pretty clear, the tasks involved require a bit more attention to detail to do them properly. That's why we're going to break it all down and explain the finer points of the process. This way, you have the pro knowledge of how to get the best end-result for your efforts!

Your first task will obviously be to clean all the built-up dirt and grime off of the hardscape. You'll need to clean it very well before attempting to seal the surface. Any grime left on the pavers will be sealed in if it isn't cleaned properly now.

A regular hose won't do the job here. To clean off the layers of grime completely, you need to pressure wash the patio. Pressure wash with WATER ONLY, do not use chemicals. Some types of hardscaping stones will be damaged by chemicals, especially many natural stones. Depending on how dirty the surface is, you may need to go over the patio a couple of times to make sure they are good and clean.

Some of the paver sand between the pavers may come up while pressure washing, especially if there are larger gaps between the stones (such as flagstone). Don't worry though, you'll fix it later in this process. For now, just focus on cleaning the hardscape very thoroughly. Continue to pressure wash the surface until your down to the stone itself.

If you think you're finished, try concentrating the pressure washer on a single point for a moment in different places around the patio. If that spot then looks obviously cleaner/lighter/more vibrant than the surface surrounding it, that means there's still a layer of grime and you should continue pressure washing.

Remember: If you don't clean it properly now, that dirt and grime will be sealed on the patio later! It is crucial that you invest the time and effort into getting it 100% clean. Otherwise, you might as well not even bother doing this at all.

​Once pressure washing is complete, rinse the hardscape completely with your garden hose to wash off the loose dirt and debris. 

​​Next, after allowing the patio time to fully dry, it's time to fill in those cracks between the pavers. This is where the polymeric sand, sometimes called "paver sand" comes in.

This type of sand has a binder that helps it stick together when activated with water. Pour the polymeric sand out all across the patio. Then, use a push broom to sweep the sand around, evenly filling all cracks and crevices. Sweep any excess sand off of the patio and use an the light wind from an idling leaf blower to dust off the patio's surface without blowing the sand out of the cracks.

To keep your patio looking like new for longer, it's crucial to seal the pavers after cleaning them. This step adds a protective layer to the surface, preventing dirt, stains, and weeds from taking root in the stone. Be sure to select a sealant that is suitable for your type of hardscape stone. You can also select from different effects that the sealer will apply to your patio, such as a wet look and other visual effects. Simply use a pump sprayer or roller to apply the sealer evenly over the pavers. We recommend using a sprayer for an evenly coated application.
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With these simple steps, you can transform your old, weathered patio into a like-new outdoor oasis. But if you don't have the time or expertise to tackle this project yourself, don't hesitate to reach out to hardscape professionals for help. They can provide expert advice and ensure that your patio is restored to its full glory.

A beautiful outdoor space should be enjoyed, not avoided. So don't let your old patio hold you back from hosting barbeques, relaxing with a book, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Follow these tips and get ready to fall in love with your revitalized outdoor space.

If you live in the Middle Georgia area around Macon and Warner Robins, we can help you restore your patio! Reach out to our team to request a free quote!

You're getting ready to make your dream yard a reality! You've quoted your landscaping project, selected your contractor, and approved your landscape design plan. Now, your job is on the schedule and work will be starting soon. It is finally time to bring your landscape vision to life! What final preparations do you need to do get your property ready for work to begin on your landscaping project?

In this article, we are going to tell you how to prepare for an upcoming landscape installation project in your yard. Keep reading to learn more!

Your contractor likely discussed work site access early on in the project planning process. If they haven't you should be sure they are aware of any special access requirements or restrictions as soon as possible before the crew arrives to start work!

When the time comes to start your project, be sure that you do anything that needs to be done to make the job site accessible such as unlocking gates, moving vehicles, providing gate codes, etc.

​You should also specify where the crew can and cannot drive and/or park on your property. If you have a separate driveway or access road on your property for construction and landscaping crews to use, be sure to point this out when meeting with the contractor at your property.

​This also applies if you use a key fob to access your gated community. Fobs are specifically for residents. There's usually a keypad for contractors to use. Always check with your HOA if you are unsure about any contractor access requirements.

Before the landscape installation crew arrives, you should move any objects out of the work area. This includes lawn furniture, toys, decorations, garden tools, and other items.

Be sure these areas are as clear as possible:

• The intended installation area
• Avenues of access to the work area
• 10-yard radius around the work area (where possible)

If there are obstacles which aren't practical to move, (i.e. fountain connected to in-ground plumbing, above-ground pool, etc.) discuss this with your contractor early on in the project planning process. Depending on the situation, special considerations may need to be made for your project. That may mean exploring alternative accessibility options for bring in materials and/or machines, taking extra measures to prevent damages, or other situation-specific plans.

If you are unable to clear the work area yourself and need the crew to do so for you, this should be discussed with your contractor before your project starts. The crew generally doesn't want to handle your things unless they are specifically given permission to do so.

Keep in mind that having the crew clear the work area for you will also require additional labor time for the project.

Nearly all landscape installation projects will require breaking the surface of the ground or digging to some degree. That's why it is very important to have all utilities and underground facilities marked before work starts. In fact, it is required by law.

A "dig ticket" must be submitted via your state's free 811 service. 811 notifies utility and other underground facility companies of upcoming projects so that the facilities can be marked. This helps reduce the chances of damage to the facilities and injuries which may result from such damages.

Any legitimate, trustworthy contractor will be aware of this and will take care of submitting the dig ticket for your project.

Check to be sure that the utilities around your property have been marked with flags and/or marking paint at the street. If you don't see any signs of utilities having been marked and work is due to start in a couple of days, notify your contractor.

In the event that you have a contractor who, for whatever reason, refuses to submit a dig ticket for your project; you should find a different contractor. There is no cost for submitting dig tickets. Contractors don't stand to benefit or profit in any fashion by not doing it. There's literally nothing to be gained. Therefore, if a contractor absolutely refuses to submit a dig ticket; it is a safe bet they likely have a few loose screws and some wires that don't connect. You should also reach out to the Public Safety Commission and inform them that the contractor is blatantly refusing to comply with dig laws. Even if they will just be breaking the top very top of the ground's surface, a dig ticket still needs to be submitted.

Real Turf Solutions submits dig tickets even for something as small as core aeration. It's very important for the safety of your property, yourself, your family, and all those around the job site. Plus, it's the law.

We all worry about the security of our property, our home, and especially our family. Your home is your castle. It's where you store your valuables, have the privacy to be yourself, and live with your loved ones. Making your home as safe and secure as possible is always a priority. There's the traditional home security features, like alarms and cameras, but why stop there when you can add extra layers of security in less obvious ways?

Something else most homeowners care about is their landscape. Landscaping is usually thought of as strictly a visual element to increase curb appeal, but it can also serve practical roles, including security. That's right, you can improve your home security by strategically landscaping your yard!

Today we're going to share some practical ideas and tips on how to landscape your property for better home security! And no, it doesn't involve ugly security fences or blinding floodlights. Don't decrease curb appeal to increase security! If anything, these tips will actually make your landscape even more beautiful while discreetly adding to the security of your home.

Landscaping for home security has multiple benefits. You're improving your home security, and you're improving your property's landscaping which in turn can increase property value. Here's a video of Terry McNair sharing some tips about landscaping for home security. Watch it and then we'll go into further detail below.

First, we'll discuss how plants can help you secure your home. There are several ways to use plants in your landscape to improve home security. You can add certain plants to make areas difficult to access and create barriers. How you maintain your plants can also affect your home security.

Having overgrown bushes around your property creates natural hiding spots. If they are right up next to the house, it can provide cover for potential thieves to break in without the risk of being seen. They can also hide in bushes to ambush you when you're coming home at night or leaving in the morning.

Placing thorny plants and bushes strategically around your property is a great way to improve home security. These plants create a natural form of barbed wire, but are much more visually appealing than actual barbed wire.

​Low voltage landscape lighting is an elegant and effective outdoor lighting option for your property. Unlike floodlights, landscape lighting systems look great while also improving home security.

Landscape lighting will provide illumination around your house so that you don't have to come home in the dark. It also eliminates the cover of darkness that prowlers might use to hide themselves. Landscape lighting systems are low-voltage lights, so they won't run your electric bill up. You can also set the time when your landscape lights automatically turn on and off.

Many landscape lighting systems offer additional controls and functionalities. Systems with color control options allow you customize the color of your landscape lighting. Smart controllers with wireless connectivity allow you to control your landscape lights with an app on your smartphone. That means you can manage your lighting system anytime and from anywhere in the world; as long as you have an internet connection!

If you don't have the budget for a complete landscape lighting system, there are some cheaper options for outdoor lighting. Solar powered garden lights are a good budget-friendly option. While not as elegant as landscape lighting systems, they are still more visually attractive than regular floodlighting. Solar powered garden lights can be placed individually around the yard where lighting is needed. You can also move them to a new spot easily.

Using rocks or gravel to create pathways will increase the noise caused by someone walking on the path. You can use small egg rock stones with large flagstones to create a stepping stone style pathway. Place edging along the sides of the path to keep all the rocks in the path area.

​When someone walks down the path, they will likely kick and crunch rocks, creating noise. This is an easy, inconspicuous way of improving your home security. 

Aside from eliminating hiding places by trimming bushes, keeping your property maintained overall is important to keeping your home secure. Having a well maintained yard shows that the property is occupied and cared for. If your house looks like it isn't occupied for several months out of the year, criminals may think they can get away with breaking in during that time.

If you live next to a public area, such as a park or a public sidewalk, keeping your yard well maintained can also help clearly define your property lines. This will help prevent people from unknowingly crossing onto your property by accident. It also reduces a trespasser's ability to claim they didn't realize they were on private property.

We know that home security is important to everyone. These tips are a few ideas to help you improve the security of your property through landscaping!

If you live in Middle Georgia around Macon or Warner Robins; let us know if we can help you plan and/or install a landscape that focuses on the security of your property and looks beautiful doing it! You can get a free consultation and estimate for your landscape installation project at the link below.

​New sod grass is very vulnerable immediately after it has been laid. Caring for your new sod properly over the next couple of weeks and beyond is vital to protecting the investment you made in it and the long-term health of your sod. Following the care instructions in this guide will help give your sod the best start possible so that it will grow lush and green for years to come! This is especially important in the summer here in the Macon, Warner Robins, and Perry area of Middle Georgia.

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your new sod, we're always happy to help, even if we weren't the ones who laid it. Keep reading to learn how to take care of your new sod!

Here's a quick video with Terry summarizing how to care for new sod grass. This is a summertime video, but most of these instructions can be applied year-round. Keep reading for more information!

During the first two weeks after your new sod has been laid, it will be establishing a root system in the soil. The sod is at its most vulnerable during this time. You shouldn't mow the sod during the first two weeks. Try to minimize foot traffic on the sod during this time as well.

Be sure to water your sod plenty during the first two weeks. If you don't have an irrigation system, you will need to go invest in some hoses and sprinklers before the sod is installed. In the summertime, you should be watering probably about 2-3 times per day depending on rainfall. You want to keep the soil moist so that the roots have an easy time getting down into the soil. In the wintertime when the sod is dormant, you can reduce the watering down to 2-3 times per week or less, depending on how cold it is.

In the summertime, the sod should have its root system pretty well established after the first two weeks. You can check how well established it is by gently attempting to lift a piece of the sod. If it lifts up easily, it needs more time to establish itself. If you can feel that it has roots holding it down, then it should be pretty well established in the ground.

Once the root system is established, you can begin to reduce the amount of watering. You can also start to mow the grass. It will be best to start out with a push mower for the first few weeks. Heavy riding mowers may damage the sod at first, so give it a little more time to finish establishing itself before using those.

If you have any questions or concerns about your new sod, feel free to contact us right away. Even if we didn't lay the sod, we'll be happy to give you advice or take a look at it for you. New sod is very vulnerable, so don't wait until a problem gets really bad. It is important to address turf issues early!

The holidays will be here before you know it! We are already getting prepared for our holiday lighting installation season here at Real Turf Solutions. If you are looking to get holiday lighting installed on your house this year, it's best to get on a service provider's schedule earlier rather than later. Today, we're going to tell you about the different styles of holiday lighting and decor you can decorate you house with this year!

Before we start breaking down the different types of holiday lighting styles, here's a video with Bryce explaining the actual materials used to create the styles we're going to talk about.

When it comes to lighting your house, there are two main styles of lighting you can get. The most common are fascia lights. The second are ridge lights. Some homeowners do a combination of both fascia and ridge lights.

Fascia lighting involves installing C-9 Christmas lights along the fascia of your home. Most homeowners only light the fascia on the street facing side of the house. These lights can be installed without any damage or alteration to the house. This is done using plastic clips which are then removed when the lights are taken down. The lights provide an elegant outline of the home.

Fascia lighting is the main type of holiday lighting installation that we do in the Macon area here at Real Turf Solutions.

Ridge lights are install along the ridges of the roof. Combined with fascia lights, they provide extra depth to your house's lighting. They generally carry a significant extra cost to have them installed though. Installing ridge lights requires extra skill, plus an increased risk of falling and being injured in the process of installing them. Special equipment may also be required on houses with steep roofs.

​Ridge lights are typically an optional add-on rather than being included in a standard package. Some service providers may not offer ridge light installation at all due to the risks involved.

Tree wrap lighting is an optional holiday lighting method which can really highlight your landscape. It involves wrapping trees with strings of smaller LED lights. Usually, the lights will go up the tree's trunk and then spread out along the limbs and branches. This creates a beautiful highlight of the tree's structure. It also adds extra depth to your lighting design.

Tree wrap lighting can be installed on large or small trees. You can use it to highlight one particular tree that acts as a centerpiece in your landscape or multiple trees. If you have trees lining your driveway, getting them wrapped will create a beautiful scene to greet your holiday guests!

While most trees can be wrapped, it works much better on thinner trees. Wrapping a thick oak tree isn't really practical to do.

Greenery includes decorations like wreaths and garlands. You can get both lit and unlit versions of greenery decorations. Wreaths range in sizes from small to massive. You can mix lit and unlit greenery and various sizes of wreaths to create your perfect holiday decoration design on your house.

You can install greenery in a variety of places on your property. In addition to your house, greenery looks great on fences, signs, light poles, gazebos and many other places.
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Greenery is often combined with red bows for extra color and festivity.

Border lighting is used to outline features in your landscape. It is great for subdivision entryway signs, as shown above. We've done this for several subdivisions around Macon and Warner Robins, GA.

You can also use border lighting to outline walkways in your yard, your flowerbeds, or other areas you'd like to draw attention to.

These are some of the most common holiday lighting styles you'll see this winter. If you are looking to get holiday lights installed on your home this year in Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, or other Middle Georgia areas, we can help! You can calculate an approximate cost of your custom package using our holiday lighting price calculator. Then, if you're interested, you can submit a proposal request.

Visit our holiday lighting information page for more details and to calculate your price now!

If you're looking for a way to spice up your landscape, adding pathways can help make that happen. Paths add a brand new dimension to your garden and open up new creative possibilities to make your yard truly unique. In this post we're going to look at landscape pathway creation and discuss some of the options you have when planning a new path in your yard. We'll also look at some of the creative possibilities that pathways open the door to and how they can liven up a dull landscape.

There's a good bit that goes into planning a landscape pathway. In the video below, Terry McNair, owner of Real Turf Solutions, provides more information about landscape pathways.

Before you can build a new path, you have to come up with a plan and design. What goes into planning and designing a new pathway? Here are some of the main factors to keep in mind.

​You need to decide what kind of material you want to use for your pathway. There are several options you can choose from.

First, look at your landscape's current design or theme. You want to select a material that will match the feel and look of your existing landscape and your home's exterior design. If you're relandscaping your entire yard, you'll want to select something that matches the rest of your landscape plan. Your landscape designer can help you find an option that works good for your landscape and budget.

Let's look at some common materials you can create a landscape pathway with.
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Concrete pavers are a common material for creating hardscape pathways. They come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. You can find a style of paver to match most any landscape aesthetic.

Pavers create a very defined, permanent structure for your pathway. A paver pathway will last a very long time if well maintained. They are very customizable, as mentioned above. Patterns can range from very simple to complex. Many paver styles have multiple pattern options to pick from. Paver pathways can also connect seamlessly to other hardscape features, such as a paver patio.

Pavers can be a rather pricey option, especially for creating longer pathways and/or using high-quality pavers. They also require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them looking good. Keep these factors in mind if you're working with a limited budget or looking for something you don't have to maintain much.
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Flagstone is a great option for creating pathways with a natural or rustic look. Like concrete pavers, flagstone is another option for creating a hardscape pathway. If you have a cabin out in a wooded area, flagstone will look great without being a distraction from the beauty of nature. This is due to the fact that flagstone is a natural stone. The only "processing" flagstone goes through is the process of quarrying it. 

If you want to use flagstone, you should be prepared for the large pricetag that comes with it. The stone, and the process of laying it isn't cheap. The results are well worth the price though.

Egg rock paths can be a bit less expensive option for creating pathways. It's also a less permanent option as well and easier to make changes to later down the road. You'll want to add some type of edging to keep the rocks from being scattered around. Metal edging, as seen above, is usually the best option. Just make sure to use small egg rocks. If you use large stones, they can be hard to walk on.

Stepping stone paths can be designed in several different ways. You can go with a minimal stepping stone path which has a reduced footprint in the landscape. You can also create a more defined stepping stone path, such as the one pictured above. You can select a number of different options for stepping stones. There are purpose-made stepping stones which you can find at most garden centers. You can also use other stone material, such as flagstone.

Obviously, choosing to go with a plain dirt path has a significant cost advantage up front. Generally, the material for your path, dirt, is already there. The only thing you need to do is clear out the path itself. It's best to also go over the soil with a weighted roller. This will pack the soil down and help keep your path defined. It can also reduce the speed at which foliage takes over again.

Maintaining a dirt path usually requires frequent maintenance though. You will need to continuously clear it of foliage trying to grow back over the path. Spraying herbicides can help with this, just be careful if the path is frequently used by pets and/or children. You may also face erosion issues depending on the amount of rain you get in your area.

There are many ways to be creative with your landscape pathways. Pathways can be used to guide people through your landscape. This allows you to highlight key features that you consider to be centerpieces of your yard. It also gives you the opportunity to create entirely new centerpiece features in your landscape. For example, you could create a path which provides access to a previously unused area of the yard that didn't have convenient access, such as a spot in a natural area or at the bottom of a slope. New landscape features could then be added for you to enjoy in these newly accessible areas of the yard.

You can have a pathway open up into a hardscape patio in a clearing to create the perfect backyard hangout spot. Pathways can lead visitors through flowerbeds and garden areas to showcase your gardening skills. There are tons of imaginative ways to be creative with your landscape path design.

You can plan extra features to have built in with the design of your pathways. Landscape lights go great with paths. Pathway light fixtures can be installed along your path to provide elegant and practical illumination. Hardscape pathways can even have fixtures built into the structure of the path itself, especially if it includes steps or retaining walls.

Edging can also be installed along your path to keep it well defined. This is especially useful for dirt, gravel, and egg rock based pathways. It can also help keep hardscape paths cleaner by reducing the amount of dirt, grass, and bed material, such as straw or mulch, that gets scattered onto the path. If you decide to add edging to your path, we recommend using metal edging instead of plastic. Metal edging is more durable and will last longer than plastic edging.

There are many choices and options to consider when planning a new pathway in your landscape. If you need some help determining what's best for your yard, reach out to our landscape design team. They will be happy to help plan and design your new pathway!

Soil quality is vital to the growth of all plants. If your plants never seem to do as well as you think they should, it could be caused by poor soil quality. How do you determine what kind of soil you have? How can you improve the quality of your soil? We're going to share some simple, easy to use tips for testing and improving the soil in your landscape. Keep reading to learn more!

There are many factors that effect soil quality and the soil's ability to grow plants. The mineral contents of the soil are important, but they are not the only factors that determine if your soil is good or bad.

​In the video below, Bryce Kirkpatrick, our turf program director, discusses some aspects of soil quality. He explains what affects the quality of your soil, how you can figure out what soil you have, and some ways to improve it. Watch the video, then we'll dig deeper into soil quality and what can be done about it.

As Bryce stated in the video, the type of soil you have is an important factor in determining the quality of your soil. You can get a good idea of the type of soil you have in your lawn by performing a simple test. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you figure out what type of soil you have in your yard.

If you want to plant in an area with clay or sandy soil, you will need to improve the soil in order for your plants to be successful. This is easy enough to do for small to medium-size planting areas, such as a flowerbed. Improving larger areas, like entire lawns or big, expansive bed areas, can be a bit more of a hassle to take on by yourself.
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Products such as Miracle-Gro all-purpose garden soil or Espoma organic all-purpose garden soil are perfect for improving the soil quality of a small to medium-size planting area such as a flowerbed or garden plot. An important thing to note about both of those products is that they are made for in-ground use. Make sure that whatever soil you get is for in-ground use unless you're planting in a planter or other contained area, such as a raised flowerbed. There are other soil mixes formulated specifically for use in planters, flower pots, raised beds, and other contained planting areas. While potting soil is fertile soil, it's not intended for in-ground use. Potting soil mixes tend to wash away easily when used in-ground. Garden soils mixes marked for in-ground use have a consistency that makes them much less likely to get washed out by the rain.

Once you have some fertile topsoil to work with, the next step is to mix it into your planting area.

First you need to determine the boundaries of the area you'll be planting in. Mark the area out and clear away any debris and weeds so that you have a bare dirt patch. Spread a layer of your garden soil evenly over the patch, then till it into the soil. It's best to use a motorized tiller for this, if you have one available.

Ideally, you want to continue tilling in topsoil until the dirt takes on the darker color of the high-quality soil. This may require several bags depending on the size of your planting area. You can also add in fresh compost material if you have some. Make sure to till down deep enough for the root system of your plants to have room to grow as well.
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When you're finished, you can check the consistency of the soil again using the test above to make sure it is taking on the qualities of that good silt soil. Once you are ready to plant, dig out the holes you will place the plants in. Add some more of your topsoil into the holes directly, and then plant your plants.

Improving soil for large areas, such as an entire lawn, can be done similarly to small areas, only on a much larger scale. This means you'll need larger equipment and more materials.

If you want to completely refurbish your yard and re-sod it, you can use the same principle that we described for small areas, just on a much larger scale. Again, this obviously will require tearing up the existing turf and re-sodding the yard.

To improve the soil without having to tear up your grass, you'll need to look into a process called topdressing. Topdressing involves applying an even layer of soil across the top of the lawn. Small lawn areas can be topdressed manually using a shovel and a wheelbarrow full of topsoil. The soil is spread by slinging it from the shovel so that it spreads out evenly.

For larger lawns, manual topdressing isn't very practical. It is best to use a topdressing machine when addressing medium to large areas.

It's recommended that you get help from a lawn improvement professional if you want to refurbish or topdress your lawn. They will be able to help you get the job done right. It will also be fast and more efficient than trying to take it on yourself, unless you specifically have experience in doing this type of work. Trying to take it on yourself without proper experience and equipment can result in wasted time, money, and effort if the work isn't done correctly.

While knowing the type of soil you have will tell you a lot about how good it will be for growing plants, there are many other factors that affect soil quality, such as pH and mineral content. These factors require more sophisticated tests to measure.

​You can purchase DIY soil testing kits to help you better understand the makeup of your soil using tests you can do at home.

​DIY soil test kits will only tell you so much about the make-up of your soil. If you want the best and most in-depth results though, you should consider sending off soil samples for analysis at a lab.

Contact your local county extension agent for more information on soil sampling. They can provide you with the necessary information and materials to collect and send off samples of your soil to be analyzed.

Understanding and improving soil quality is a science. It can get a bit complicated at times and takes some work to get it right. If you'd like to gain a better understanding of soil and how to improve it, there are many resources out there, such as this free online soil improvement course linked here. It even offers a certificate for successfully completing the course, so you can add it to your resume if you're looking for a career in the landscaping industry.

​If you have any questions or need help improving your soil, please feel free to reach out to us. We're always happy to provide advice or give you a hand to help get the job done!

You've probably seen a lawn in your neighborhood and wondered why their grass looks so good. It looks like a perfect green carpet across the yard. If you look close you'll probably find there are little to no weeds in their grass. They are using some type of weed control to get rid of weeds in their grass.

​Weed control is one of the most important parts of getting your lawn to look that good. Why does weed control matter and how can you get rid of weeds in your grass? Keep reading to find out.

​Weed control is a vital part of growing healthy grass and a lush lawn. It can also be one of the most difficult and time-consuming parts as well.

One thing you need to understand before you start any weed control efforts is that weed control is a long game. Controlling weeds in your grass is an ongoing battle and it takes time. It's important to stick with the process, you aren't going to see results overnight. It often takes years to reach the point of having that green-carpet grass you want, especially if you are starting out with a yard that's never been treated.
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Many homeowners get frustrated and give up after only a couple of treatments. This is a mistake and a waste of money. If you are going to invest in controlling weeds in your grass, you need to stick with it, or save your money and don't do it at all. It will take months or years to get your grass to look like those perfect yards. Once you do get it to that point though, it is simply a matter of maintaining it.

Weed control is an ongoing process. The battle will never be completely over and there's no such thing as 100% weed-free. Even in those perfect lawns, if you look through them, you'll find one or two tiny weeds that managed to pop. This is why ongoing weed control is important. You prevent as many weeds as possible and then address the few weeds that do pop up as needed.

Now that you understand the things to be aware of before you start, lets discuss briefly why controlling weeds in your grass is important.

Weeds in your grass cause a number of issues for the turf. These issues can be both aesthetic and health related. Here are some of the reasons weeds make your lawn look bad. 

Lawns that are made up mainly of one type of grass have a uniform appearance across the yard. The grass will grow at the same rate and it all looks the same. This is how you get that green carpet look.

Weeds in the grass disrupt this uniformity. Weeds grow faster than turf. They also have very different appearances. This is what makes weeds such a visual pest. They break the uniform surface of the turf.

​Having different types of grass in the lawn will also cause this issue. Different types of turf grass look different and grow at different rates.

Many weeds have large, broad leaves, and they grow faster than the grass. This leads to the grass being robbed of sunlight and water. As the weeds spread, they steadily take over an increasingly large area.

The grass is weakened by lack of sunlight and water, making it easier for weeds to spread. Turf grasses thin out when under stress and the thinner the grass layer gets, the easier it is for weeds to grow. This leads to a cycle of the turf getting thinner and the weeds getting stronger.

Weeds in your lawn compete with the roots of your grass. They steal the nutrients from the soil and can survive in depleted soil easier than turf grass. The weeds can prevent your grass from establishing a strong, deep root system.

Grass goes dormant in the winter and turns brown. Meanwhile, a whole new set of winter weeds crop up. The winter weeds are as green as ever in your lawn. They stand out significantly against the brown, dormant turf. This makes winter weeds even more unsightly than the summertime weeds.

​Lawn weeds can be controlled, but you have to invest the time, money, and effort required to do so. Getting rid of weeds in your grass doesn't happen overnight. Weed control is an ongoing process and there isn't a finish line. You have to stick with it to see results and it isn't finished, even when you get results. You have to continue to maintain your lawn at that standard, or the weeds will be right back in your grass.

​There are two general options for how you can go about controlling weeds in your grass. You can hire a professional company that provides turf and weed control services, or you can do your own weed control.

You can do it yourself if you have the time. You will also need to educate yourself in turf grass care, chemicals, and types of weeds too.

If you choose to do your own weed control, be sure to carefully follow label rates on all products you apply. You will also need to know what to apply and when it should be applied. Pre-emergent herbicides need to be applied well before the weeds start to pop. For example, pre-emergent for spring weeds needs to be applied in the winter.

Be sure you know what type of grass you have. This is important when selecting chemicals and fertilizer. Some chemicals will kill certain types of grass while not effecting others. Applying the wrong chemical to your lawn can kill it.

Soil tests are important to determine your lawn's needs. You should do a soil test before you start treating your lawn so you understand what is going on in the soil. Contact your local cooperative extension office for information and instructions on soil testing in your area.

​Trying to handle weed control yourself can be very complicated and time consuming. You need to know what treatments to apply, the right time of year to apply them, which products can and cannot be used on your turf  The easiest option is to hire a professional weed control and lawn treatment service. 

​Professional weed control companies are licensed and experienced in chemical application and turf management. They also have all the equipment and supplies to treat your lawn, plus they can purchase products which aren't available to most homeowners. These products are more effective than what you can get at the local hardware store.

​Professional weed control companies know how to develop a plan for your lawn. They test your lawn to determine it's specific needs before treatment begins. We provide soil tests to all of our weed control clients.

Companies like ours also handle diseases, fungal issues, and lawn pests if they occur. Professional spray technicians know what to watch for in your lawn. They can spot issues and address them before they become a major problem.

Mulch is important to the health of your flowerbed plants. There are many types of mulch material you can choose from. What options for mulch material are out there? How do you decide which is the right choice for your landscape? What are the pros and cons of each type of mulch? We're going to discuss all of these question in this blog post! Keep reading to learn more about mulch.

The mulch you choose to install in your landscape is mainly a matter of your personal preference. There's not really a right or wrong choice in most cases. Each type of mulch material has a unique set of pros and cons. The mulch material you decide to use depends on which best suits your needs and the look you want to achieve in your landscape.

In the video below, Terry McNair, owner of Real Turf Solutions discusses some things to keep in mind when selecting mulch for your landscape and flowerbeds. Watch the video, then we'll break down different types of mulch options.

Pinestraw is a common mulch material used in the Middle Georgia area, and many other places. It is fairly easy and cheap to obtain and adds that glowing orange color in the landscape.

Pinestraw has several qualities which make it a popular mulch material installed in Middle Georgia. We've listed some of the main benefits of using pinestraw in your landscape below.

Pinestraw does have a few weaknesses you should be aware of.

Wood mulch is another common mulch material used in landscaping around Middle Georgia. It requires a bit more work to install than pinestraw, especially for large areas. However, wood mulch provides you with more options than straw as well.

There are several reasons to choose wood mulch for your landscape and flowerbeds. We've listed the main benefits of wood mulch below.

Wood mulch does have a few drawbacks like everything else. We've listed the main ones below.

Pine bark nuggets are basically chips made from the bark of pine trees. They are not commonly used for large landscape beds. Pine bark nuggets are a more specialized type of mulch material. They are mainly used as a mulch material in small flowerbeds and large planting containers.

​You may see beds with flower arrangements in an area of pine bark nuggets surrounded by pinestraw in the rest of the bed. An example of this can be seen in the photo below.

While they aren't commonly used, pine bark nuggets have some qualities which make them great for smaller areas.

There are some reasons why pine bark nuggets aren't the best choice for large bed areas in the landscape.

Organic mulch types aren't the only option for your landscape. Rocks are also used as a material for landscape beds. Egg rocks, or river rocks, are a common type of rock used in beds around Middle Georgia.

There are a few reasons why you might choose to use rocks instead of an organic mulch material.

There are a few tradeoffs to using rock instead of organic mulch though. Some of the drawbacks are listed below.

Artificial mulch is a relatively new thing. It is made to look like pinestraw or wood mulch, but doesn't brake down since it is made of rubber material. We don't see many landscapes using artificial mulch yet, but the option is out there if you have the budget for it.

The main appeal of artificial mulch is that it lasts and doesn't break down. You have it installed once and then only occasional touch-ups are needed every few years or so.

There are a few reasons why artificial mulch may not be the best choice for your landscape. We've listed some of the main drawbacks of it below.

Mulch is very important to the health of your plants. It is also a key part of making your property look good. We hope this helps you decide what mulch will be best for your landscape! There isn't really a right or wrong choice, it's mainly about the look you want in your landscape, and which mulch suits your needs.

If you have any questions about mulch, please feel free to reach out to us and we'll be happy to help. If you live in Middle Georgia, we'll be glad to give you a free estimate on mulch installation too.

You're serious about outdoing the neighbor's lawn, so you signed up for turf treatment services. Now your first visit is scheduled. What do you need to do to get ready for a lawn treatment application? Is there anything you should be aware of? Today, we're going to talk about what should be done to prepare your lawn for a treatment application service visit.

Clearing your lawn of obstacles and debris is the main thing you need to do before every lawn treatment application. Objects and debris will block the chemical, fertilizer, or whatever is being applied from reaching the turf. If the treatment can't get to the soil, it won't be effective.

This includes leaves, which can be especially problematic in the fall and winter. Even a light layer of fallen leaves can greatly reduce the effectiveness of a treatment. If you do not have a lawn service to clean up the leaves for you, you'll need to get the leaves off the lawn before the day of the scheduled treatment. Many companies will not make an application if the lawn has a significant amount of leaves covering it. The application will be rescheduled once the lawn is clear.

It is easier to spot any lawn weeds in your yard if they aren't recently mowed. This is why lawn treatment companies often request that you do not mow the yard right before the visit. Even with regular treatment, a few weeds will always manage to pop up here and there, which is why ongoing treatment is vital to the weed control process.

​The treatment technician will walk the lawn and spot treat any weeds that have popped up on each visit. If they are able to see the weeds more easily, it's less likely that any weeds will be missed.

If you have two companies providing different services, like one company for lawn care and another for weed control, make sure there's no conflicts. We've had times when we've arrived at a yard only to find that a lawn crew is cutting the yard. This can cause the service to be delayed and require rescheduling.

Your treatment service provider will usually email you when a visit is scheduled and provide you with instructions. Make sure to read these notices carefully and follow instructions from your service provider.

​If you don't understand something in the instructions or have questions about your service, reach out to them before your service date. This will help everything go smoothly and provide you with the best results from your service visit!

If you're in the Middle Georgia area around Macon and Warner Robins and looking for a professional weed control service for your yard, Real Turf Solutions is here for you! We provide free service estimates and customize a treatment plan tailored to your lawn's needs. Request a free estimate online or contact us today to get started improving your turf!