Frequently Asked Questions

Can weedkiller be used on artificial grass?

  • Some weedkillers may contain a mixture of chemicals which can damage artificial grass so its best to check if the product label to ensure its safe to use. If unsure use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to ensure no damage is done. Alternatively, a glyphosate product like Gallup is safe to use, make sure you have read the label before use.

Can weedkiller kill my pets?

  • Most over-the-counter weed killers (also known as herbicides) are generally safe around dogs if used correctly and allowed to dry on treated areas. However, exposure to certain herbicides, especially when wet, can cause health issues ranging from stomach upsets to severe poisoning. It's really important to read the label on weed killer and follow application guidelines. You should also prevent your dog from accessing treated areas until they're dry, and seek immediate veterinary care if your dog does come into contact with any chemical product.

What is the best type of fertiliser for my plants?

  • Organic fertilisers that are high in phosphorus such as hair, bone meal or enriched rock phosphate make for a great choice. If you are looking to correct your deficiency more quickly you can always decide to go for mineral fertiliser. Nitrogen promotes healthy leaf and shoot growth, phosphorus helps root development, and potassium encourages flower and fruit production. A general fertiliser offers a balance of all three major nutrients. Keeping well supplied with the the three main nutrients that are present in a general fertiliser or plant food- nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium– they're given every chance not only to flourish, but also to better withstand attacks by pests and diseases.

Why should i pressure wash my property?

  • Grime can damage surfaces- The substances that build up on your home can stain the exterior surfaces and even cause damage. Mold, mildew, and algae can grow and feed on the material deteriorating it over time. Power washing allows you to remove these harmful substances from your home's exterior and get into the tight spaces that you might miss otherwise.

  • Increases curb appeal- It may go without saying, but a clean house looks better than a dirty one, both inside and out. Power washing your home can be an instant face lift for your exterior, especially if you've never cleaned the outside of your home or it's been a while. And if you're trying to sell your home, everything must look as good as it can.

  • Environmentally friendly- Some liquid cleaning products can be toxic to the environment, and affect the growth of plants and the health of animals. Since pressure washing utilises water, you can be confident that your cleaning won’t affect the ecosystem! If you’re keen on gardening, and you aren’t keen on introducing chemicals near your lawn or your flower beds, then power washing will suit you.

How can I improve the soil quality in my garden?

  • Soil improvement techniques such as adding organic matter (compost, leaf mulch), Add home-made garden compost, bagged compost or well-rotted manure. As a rule, add a minimum 5cm layer of organic matter over the surface before digging or forking it in. These organic fertilisers are more beneficial to soil bacteria than inorganic compounds. Plants need good soil conditions if they are to give the best results. Improving the soil with plenty of organic matter in the form of compost helps drainage and aeration on heavy soils and conserves essential moisture on light ones.

How do I prune my trees and shrubs properly?

  • Pruning techniques depend on the type and growth habit of the plant. Generally, prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve airflow and shape plants for optimal growth. Research specific pruning requirements for each plant species and prune during the appropriate season.

Why is my grass yellow, will it come back green ?

  • Yellow grass is a sign of low nutrition and can be caused by too little water, too much water, blunt cutting blades on your mower, or lawn diseases. Water your lawn if it's too dry and aerate your soil if puddles are collecting. Sharpen your cutting blades on your mower for a cleaner cut.

  • If you notice random yellow spots on your lawn and have a dog, your pet's urine may be the culprit. When the urine is allowed to seep into roots, the ammonia in it is absorbed up into the blades of the grass, burning the plant.

    You can try not to let your dog pee on the lawn, but if they do manage to get by you and lift a leg, dilute it as fast as possible with water to avoid it burning your grass.

  • If your lawn is lacking in nutrients like iron and nitrogen, then it will start to look yellow.

    How to fix it? If you've not fertilised your grass, then it is likely that it is lacking essential nutrients.

    A soil-test kit can tell you if your soil is short of a particular nutrient, and you can use the appropriate garden feed to fix the problem.

    Remember to always follow the instructions, and don't over-fertilise your lawn as this can do more harm than good - see below.

How can I attract bees and other insects to my garden?

  • Planting a diverse range of flowering plants, providing water sources, and avoiding pesticide use promote habitat for beneficial insects like pollinators and natural predators of garden pests. Incorporating native plants and creating sheltered areas further encourages beneficial insect populations. Catmint, Alliums, Chives, Lavender, Comfrey, English Ivy, Geranium and Foxgloves are all good options to increase insect numbers in your garden

Weedkiller vs pulling weeds?

  • If you're looking to get rid of them, you'll want to spray them instead of pulling them by hand. Spraying weeds requires less effort, allows you to cover a larger area, and is more effective since herbicides can quickly kill them. Meanwhile, hand-pulling weeds will require more effort and time. Not only that, but you may not pull up the entire weed, including the roots, and could accidentally spread the weed seeds even more. Pulling weeds by hand is also labour-intensive. Opting for this removal method means being out in the yard for most of the day to manually pull individual weeds, which is tedious and time-consuming. This method can be even more gruelling if you have a large lawn filled with these nutrient-stealing plants.

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