Your home is where you go to relax at the end of a long, stressful day. You probably like to spend time in your yard as well. With the seasons in Minnesota being what they are, you really have to take advantage of the time you have to be outdoors. There is only so much time before the snow and ice buries your yard entirely for months on end. When you're proud of the way your yard looks, you naturally want to spend more time outside with your family.

Consider Landscaping Your Yard with Rock
Adding landscaping rock to your yard provides it with a durable surface that is aesthetically pleasing at the same time. While a rock design may appear simple, installing it is another story. It is a labor-intensive job that requires a professional landscaping crew. At The Lawnsmith, we are prepared to handle your rock installation job from start to finish. This includes removing old rock if necessary, preparing the material for new rock beds, and replenishing rock in existing rock beds. You can choose your rock from a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures.

Ideas to Incorporate Landscaping Rock
Deciding to add rock to the landscape in your yard is usually an easy and straightforward decision. It's deciding on a specific design that can pose challenges. This is where the design team at The Lawnsmith shines. Some of the possibilities for your home include:

• Creating a waterfall from rocks and then enclosing the water that escapes from it with matching rock.
• Incorporating stone into one or more of your outdoor features, such as a pizza oven or fireplace.
• Building a rock garden, which is especially useful for yards that are built on a slope.
• Installing a stone retaining wall and a flowerbed near the stairs leading to the inside of your home.

Request a Free Estimate
The Lawnsmith is happy to provide free estimates for all of our projects. Please contact us to discuss how we can help improve the enjoyment and value of your property.

Pets, heavy snow, and frequent foot traffic can all leave your lawn with thin patches that make it look unattractive and unhealthy. It can even happen when you take extra time to treat and water the area. Fortunately, you can give your lawn a lush appearance with double aeration and overseeding. At The Lawnsmith, we recommend that homeowners schedule this procedure in the spring and fall to ensure a healthy lawn throughout the year.

What Happens During Double Aeration and Overseeding?
Double aeration is the process of removing thatch and other unwanted debris that interferes with your lawn's root growth. We do this by inserting round, hollow tines into the ground to help break apart the soil and bring it to the surface. The second part of this process involves placing multiple grass seeds on the barren areas of your lawn to discourage weed growth and improve the overall quality of your lawn.

The Benefits of Double Aeration
This process is beneficial to the health of your lawn in several ways, including the following:

• Improved root system:  This process helps the roots of your lawn maintain long-term health. Keep in mind that the lawn maintenance you perform now has a major effect on its performance for several years to come.
   
• Relief of soil compaction: Foot traffic and the use of heavy machinery are just two ways that soil structure can break down and become impacted. Physically inserting an aeration tine into the soil reduces its bulk density.
   
• Reduction of thatch: Thatch, which is dead and living plant material, is typically present between the surface of the soil and the part of the lawn that is visible to you. When thatch accumulates to more than half an inch, it can cause significant damage. Double aeration loosens the thatch and forces it to begin decomposing.
   
• Improved water filtration: When soil is compacted, it doesn't absorb water very well. Double aeration corrects the problem so your lawn receives the nourishment it needs for proper growth.

Finally, overseeding is most beneficial when completed at the same time as double aeration.
Contact us for an estimate on this service.