ParklandHomes-March_27_2020

Parkland

If you’re building a new home, come see our lending team.

We will work with you one-on-one throughout the building process to take you from blueprints, to the welcome mat.

We offer: • Interest-only during construction • Competitive rates and closing costs • Local decisions made by local lenders • Permanent Fixed-Rate financing upon completion

Contact a member of our lending team today!

welcome home Find your dream home inside or online at

Parks P ks Pet Peterson Farmington NMLS #1563035 (573) 631-5883

Ashley Wilkins Terre Du Lac NMLS #1739189 (573) 534-0260

Melinda Bust Desloge NMLS #1752366 (573) 431-9400

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PAGE A1  Friday, March 27, 2020

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Friday, March 27, 2020

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Home of the Week....

108 Branch St, Bonne Terre

Charming 1.5 story brick home, approximately 2,000 square feet of living space which includes 3 bedroom, 2 baths. Entering the home the large great room with wood floors will welcome you! The kitchen is adorable and has stainless appliances, lots of cabinets & counter tops and a breakfast nook to enjoy your morning coffee or grab a quick meal. A separate dining room is ideal for entertaining your family or friends. One of the bedrooms & baths is located on the main floor & the two large additional bedrooms are on the upper level, one has an adjoining room that could be used for multiple purposes. The home sits on .33 acres and has a large deck and 1 car garage. The home has an unfinished basement great for storage! Call today!!

$159,900

573.747.8099 573.327.8300

CELL

e I’ll do th you! for running

OFFICE

19079636

1136B N Desloge Dr. - Desloge

20011695

Farmington • $319,000

20008980

Farmington • $129,900

20003554

Farmington • $169,900

Farmington • $679,000

Super buy in a well established neighborhood.

Mature trees, corner lot, super charming 4 bedroom 2-story home. Main floor laundry! Gotta see this one ASAP!

Super Sweet 3 bedrooms 1.5 bath home with stone siding on corner lot. Full unfinished basement.

Metal roof. Partially fenced. Well maintained and ready for occupancy.

Gorgeous BRICK church in downtown Farmington.

Lots of stained glass. Pipe organ. Bell tower.

Everything you imagine a church should offer can be found right here.

17093787

17071934

17042306

20013340



3900+ square foot quality constructed home on large corner lot with privacy fenced back yard in Holiday Park subdivision. 3 Bedroom, 4 full bathrooms. Large Master Bedroom and Bathroom.

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

20014770

Farmington • $200,000

Impossible find! At the very edge of Farmington city limits you will find 18 acres of ground available for purchase. Fantastic location! Excellent development opportunity.

Farmington • $475,000

Beautiful wooded tract lying between Highway 67 and West Outer Road. This is a PRIME location! Joins city limits for utilities. This tract contains 12.12 acres more or less. Great investment.

Farmington • $350,000

Sprawling brick ranch style home with gorgeous wooded setting in gated Winchester Hills Subdivision. 43x16 Patio for quiet and relaxing evenings outside. 3 Acre lot.

EASY HWY AccESS!!

Farmington • $1,950,000 207 acres +/- in extraordinary location with super easy access from Hwy and outer road. MANY possibilities. Residential development, commercial development, area for hotel, carwash, convenient store, restaurants, etc. Appraised for MUCH more than asking price. Inquire today!

19022931

GREAT LocATion!!

Mary Hagan, GRI 573-701-1690 E-mail me at: hagan@coldwellbankerhulsey.com

View ALL Listings... coldwellbankerhulsey.com

Mary Gilliam GRI, ABR 573-760-6480 E-mail me at: mary@coldwellbankerhulsey.com

#GuidingYouHome

32 East Liberty Street - Beautiful Downtown Farmington - 573-756-5711

PAGE A3  Friday, March 27, 2020

Farmington • $39,900

10 Acres just outside Farmington in Beautiful St Francois Hills Subdivision. Lots of gorgeous homes in this subdivision. Convenient location to town.

Property is priced to sell!

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, March 27, 2020  PAGE A4

Repair bare spots in the lawn

C

aring for a lawn to keep it lush and green can require equal measures of patience and hard work. Various invaders can attack grass or contribute to its demise. One problem many homeowners face is bare spots.

Bare spots can occur for various reasons. Heavy foot traffic, grubs or other pests, fungi, pet urine, or too much or too little water can contribute to bare spots.

The how-to resource The Spruce says that correcting the source of bare spots can prevent new issues, particularly if grubs or other pests are damaging the grass. Then homeowners can address existing bare areas.

It is unlikely that bare spots will just fill back in on their own. Reseeding spots or using sod to fill in bare areas can help lawns look lush.

• Begin by raking and removing any dead grass and other debris from the lawn. Check to make sure that grubs or insects are not attacking the lawn. If they are, use targeted treatment options for those pests.

• Break up and aerate any soil that is compacted in the bare spot.

• Amend the soil in the bare area with loamy soil or compost to improve on the nutritional makeup and texture so that it is amenable to grass-growing. If you notice that the entire lawn is looking a little sparse, top-dressing the rest of the lawn at this point also can help improve its vitality.

• Sprinkle seeds in the bare spot (disperse seeds over the rest of the lawn if you want to over-seed and improve the thickness of the lawn). If you prefer sod, cut a portion of the sod to fit the bare area and place on the amended soil.

• The Scotts® company says to lightly water newly

seeded or sodded areas daily for at least two weeks to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy. Gradually water more as the seedlings develop and the grass begins to fill in. Deep water at least once or twice a week after the new grass reaches mowing height.

• The grass should grow slightly longer than the rest of the lawn, and wait until the color of the patched area begins to blend in with the rest of the lawn before mowing. This could take a few weeks, and the area should be avoided until then.

Eventually, and with treatment, bare spots can be remedied and become indistinguishable from other areas of the lawn.

The dangers of mowing too low

S

pring marks the return of many things. Trees and flowers begin to bloom again in spring, while warmer temperatures are welcomed back

with open arms. Grass also begins to grow again in the spring. That means it’s not too long before homeowners have to dust off their lawn mowers and get to work. Those who don’t necessarily enjoy mowing the lawn may be tempted to cut their grass very low, as doing so can mean longer intervals between mowing sessions. However, mowing grass too low can have a very adverse effect on a lawn.

Cutting too low can injure the grass. Cutting grass too low can injure the grass, creating what’s essentially a domino effect of problems to come.

Injured grass will focus on its recovery efforts, thereby making it vulnerable to other issues.

Cutting too low promotes weed growth. Injured grass is vulnerable to invaders, including weeds and insects. Weeds and insects can attack grass as it recovers from injury, and before homeowners know

it, their lawns are overcome with a host of problems.

Cutting too low allows crabgrass to thrive. Crabgrass needs ample sunlight to grow. By cutting grass too low, homeowners may unknowingly be promoting crabgrass growth. Crabgrass is unsightly and can rob surrounding grass of the moisture it needs to grow. So lawns cut too low may not only lose their lush appeal thanks to the unattractive appearance of crabgrass, but also because areas surrounding the crabgrass patches might turn brown due to lack of water.

Cutting too low can stress the grass. Cutting too low also makes lawns vulnerable to summer heat.

Without blades tall enough to block some of the summer sun, grass can quickly succumb to summer heat, leading to dried out, discolored lawns.

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PAGE A5  Friday, March 27, 2020

lat, even landscapes are often coveted in backyards. However, flat backyards are not always so easy to find. Fortunately, varied terrain does not mean that certain landscaping plans are entirely off limits, especially for homeowners willing to build retaining walls.

Retaining walls help turn steep slopes in a yard into terraced focal points. They also can reduce soil erosion in hilly areas and can be used for aesthetic purposes, like raised planters, or to create more usable space within the yard. When an inground pool or pond is cut into a backyard hill, a retaining wall helps keep the remaining portion of that hill from collapsing into the cut-away area.

When contemplating retaining wall projects, a lesson in physics and engineering may be needed. A sturdy and long-lasting retaining wall needs to be built in a way that will take into consideration the force of the soil and the point at which the soil will begin to slide away, advises the experts at The Family Handyman.

If these calculations seem beyond the scope of your ability, installation of a retaining wall is a job best left to a professional. If you are ready to forge ahead, these tips can get you started. However, it’s important to note the potential benefits of working with others who have already built a retaining wall.

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

A lesson in building a backyard retaining wall

Safety first: Call to have underground utilities plotted and marked before beginning any excavation.

Map out your trench and begin to dig. The trench should have a level, compacted base as it will be the foundation for which the retaining wall materials, be they blocks, bricks or wood, sit in. A crushed stone base will help anchor the courses and serve to promote drainage. The Family Handyman says to bury the first

course of the retaining wall one-tenth the height of the wall to prevent soil behind it from pushing the bottom out.

Check for level. When placing blocks or timbers, make sure they are even with the first and periodically check for level as you go, advises the home improvement retailer Lowes®.

Stagger and set back. The next row of blocks or material should be positioned so that the joints are staggered for blocks, bricks or wood. A masonry blade will be needed to cut the harder materials; a circular saw will cut timber. Also, work against gravity by setting the second course slightly back from the first to help push back against the soil that is trying so hard to push forward. Repeat the process as each level is placed. Many retaining wall products are made with a lip to create this set back.

Go with the grade. For especially steep slopes, a gradual step-up design may be more secure and more appealing than a very tall retaining wall. Each level of a stepped design should be done like the first.

Backfill with stone for drainage. Using a layer of stone behind the retaining wall can help successfully direct water away so it will not increase the weight of the soil behind the wall and push against the retaining wall, advises The Home Depot.

Retaining walls serve different purposes in a yard.

Building such a wall requires planning and careful execution to ensure the job is done correctly.

Friday, March 27, 2020  PAGE A6

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

What to do about an overfertilized lawn

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ush lawns are not achieved without a lot of hard work. That hard work often involves some trial and error, and one of the simplest errors a person can make is overfertilizing a lawn.

Overfertilization is an easy mistake to make, but it’s a mistake that can have long-lasting consequences.

According to the lawn care experts at Scotts®,

Did you M know?

overfertilizing a lawn can damage grass. Overfertilized lawns are subject to excessive leaf growth, which may require more maintenance, like extra mowing, in the interim. Over time, an overfertilized lawn can develop a sponge-like feel and may be increasingly vulnerable to fungal disease.

Of course, homeowners can only address an overfertilized lawn after they learn to spot signs that the lawn has been fed too much fertilizer. Brown and patchy grass is one of the telltale signs that a lawn has been overfertilized. This can occur because too much nitrogen has made its way onto the lawn. Scotts® notes that nitrogen greens up grass and helps it grow, but too much nitrogen can scorch the lawn, making it brown and patchy.

Minimal growth after fertilization is another indicator of overfertilization. Some lawns that have been overfertilized may not grow at all afterward.

Blackened or limp grass and crusting of fertilizer on the top of the soil are other symptoms of overfertilization.

When fertilizing a lawn, it’s important that homeowners recognize that many products are now slow-release fertilizers. Packaging will indicate if your fertilizer fits this mold, and if it does, don’t be surprised if results are not immediate. Slow-release fertilizers can help with lawns where the soil does not drain especially well.

Give these fertilizers time to do their job and resist the temptation to apply more fertilizer.

If a lawn has indeed been overfertilized, homeowners can remove any fertilizer they see on top on the soil.

Once the fertilizer has been removed, water the lawn heavily, which can wash any remaining residue away.

Watering daily in the ensuing days can remove any lingering fertilizer and reduce the likelihood that a lawn will develop issues with fungus.

Fertilizing a lawn involves carefully adhering to manufacturer instructions. If a lawn is overfertilized, removing fertilizer on the soil and heavily watering the lawn can help restore it to health and reduce the risk for disease.

any lawns contain a mixture of the roughly one dozen types of different grasses. According to the lawn care experts at Scotts®, knowing which type of grass they have in their yard can help homeowners more effectively manage and care for their lawns.

But with so many lawns containing a mixture of grasses, how can homeowners know exactly what’s making up that green carpet in their yards? Scotts® notes that lawns typically fall into one of two categories: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses.

Warm-season grasses are those that thrive in regions where the climate tends to be especially warm, such as the southern United States.

Cool-season grasses are those that are at their best in climates that experience extreme temperature fluctuations. For example, coolseason grasses are most likely to be found in the northern United States, as much of this area of the country experiences cold winters and warm, and in some places very hot, summers. Homeowners who are uncertain about which type of grass they have can consult a lawn care professional for advice. Homeowners who learn which type of grass is in their yard can use that information to determine how frequently they should mow and water their lawns and which type of fertilizer is best-suited to their lawns.

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate 

20016950

Farmington • $138,000

Farmington • $399,000

Gorgeous building spot in Central School Dist with 17.94 +/- acres that is already fenced for pasture and has beautiful views that would be perfect to build your dream home or have your own mini farm. Property includes a nice pond & creek in the back, a smaller pond in the front, newer underground 200 amp electric, shed/outbuilding with horse stalls and an outbuilding that is perfect for your tractors and lawn equipment.

19087383

20012962

Farmington • $132,000

19065934

Farmington • $635,000

Remodeled 3 Bedroom bungalow with a cozy covered front porch and partial fenced in back yard! Once you walk through the doors you will be greeted with the beautiful refinished hardwood floors that go throughout.

FANTASTIC Commercial property opportunity in a VERY HIGH TRAFFIC area on Karsch Blvd! Endless options with this over 9000 SQ.FT building with plenty of parking! This property sits on .90 of an Acre.

20004833

19025675

Farmington • $194,900

Great Location and conveniently located by shopping and restaurants!! You will fall in love the second you walk in the front door of this 5 Bedroom home that has been completely remodeled including new HVAC system.

Serenity & nature abound in this beautiful custom-built home located just minutes from town.

Enjoy the peaceful country setting with this GORGEOUS 2484 +/- sq ft 4 Bed 3 Bath home with 3 Car-Attached Garage and Full UF walk-out(up) basement. Once you walk in you will be greeted by the beautiful open living room with vaulted ceilings and lots of windows that offer natural light where you can also cozy up next to the gas fireplace on cold winter nights.

19084647

Park Hills • $4,200

Cleared residential lot in Park Hills, waiting for you to build your dream home! Easy access to highway.

20012861

Park Hills • $39,900

TURN_KEY Business, established over 30 years ago. Great Income potential. Business and tools/ equipment, offers 1440 sq ft, 2 bays. Owner is simply retiring.

573-760-4246

19086907

Park Hills • $450,000

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES with this Excellent location! Situated close enough that utilities are available. Nice, mostly level 15.9 acres ready for development!

Jim Triplett

Farmington • $114,900

Nice Mini Farm GREAT for horses that is mostly cleared and fenced!! This 3 bedroom 2 bath home situated on mostly fenced 5+/- acres that is tucked away off Highway 32 but still just minutes from town!

Farmington • $130,000

Adorable 3 bedroom ranch home with covered front porch, fenced in back yard and rear deck.

Home has cozy living room, nice kitchen with separate dining room.

Cindy Backer View ALL Listings... coldwellbankerhulsey.com

573-760-4243

#GuidingYouHome

32 East Liberty Street - Beautiful Downtown Farmington - 573-756-5711

PAGE A7  Friday, March 27, 2020

20002851

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

A guide to buying and setting up a bird bath

Friday, March 27, 2020  PAGE A8

W

Although pedestal style bird baths are attractive, baths closer to the ground tend to attract more birds.

arm weather means more opportunities to spend time outdoors while at home. Whether your favorite form of outdoor recreation includes sitting on the patio reading or digging in the garden, there’s a good chance that you will be sharing the space with local wildlife. Optimizing opportunities to view and interact with backyard wildlife can make the great outdoors even more enjoyable.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology indicates that there are around 2,059 bird species on the continent of North America. Red-winged blackbirds, yellow-rumped warblers, American robins, and chipping sparrows are among the most commonly seen birds in North America.

Making a backyard hospitable to birds can increase the chances for sightings and hearing their sweet songs.

Installing a bird bath can be a step in the right direction.

Bird baths can make yards more attractive to birds. Birds require a supply of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing. By setting up a bath, homeowners can attract not only seed-loving birds, but those that don’t eat seeds and wouldn’t normally congregate around feeders, indicates All About Birds. Experts surmise that birds may bathe to maintain their feathers.

Not all bird baths are constructed the in the same fashion. Many bird baths sold in stores are better suited

for decoration than for serving as functional baths. There are four general types of bird bath: standing pedestal, hanging bath, deck-mounted, and ground-level. In general, the lower a bird bath is to the ground, the more likely birds are to use it. Most natural sources of water birds use are on or near the ground. Therefore, groundlevel bird baths may be the best investments.

It is important to keep the water in a bird bath shallow (around two inches of water or less). This enables birds to splash around safely and wade in.

Birds do not want to slide around, so a material that is coated and slippery, like glazed ceramic or glass, may not be too popular. Rough stone or a bird bath modified with pea gravel or rocks can give birds steady footing.

Place the bird bath in the shade if possible to ensure the water is cool and fresh. Locate it by a tree so the birds can hop up to a branch and preen afterwards. All About Birds also says that a bird bath is more attractive if it has a dripping or moving water feature, as this is often irresistible to birds.

Another way to ensure the bath will be used is to keep it clean and maintained. Change the water every day or two. Rinse off the bath to remove droppings, bugs and other debris.

Once birds learn there is a comfortable bath nearby, they may be more apt to visit a yard and may even become frequent guests.

5 outdoor projects that add value

E

xterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one have the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact.

Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers.

Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions.

Lawn care program: Investing in a lawn

care program that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent home owner is an attractive feature.

NAR says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303 percent ROI. Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for projects, those that offer low-maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include lowmaintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic mulched beds.

Fire pit: A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or

sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat. A fire pit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag.

Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or

decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home.

Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have.

However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home.

Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood.

Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function.

CELL OFFICE

e I’ll do th you! for running

#vickycrockerrealty

1136B N Desloge Dr. - Desloge

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

573.747.8099 573.327.8300



Farmington / $349,900

Looking for the property of your dreams, look no further! This stunning home was built with love along with well thought out design & engineering. The home sits on 4.43 acres, with a beautiful 1 acre lake with dock and gazebo, why leave home? Or sit in the spectacular sun room & just enjoy the view. The 1.5 story home has lots of space with 2 bedrooms, on the main level & two on the upper level, all with lots of closet space.

19062923

Farmington / $289,900

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 4 acres, this home shows like a new home! A large entry foyer makes you feel welcomed with the open floor plan, making the perfect space for enjoying friends & family. The great room has beautiful engineered wood flooring that flows into the kitchen. The kitchen has quartz counter tops, lots of cabinets, center island with microwave, stainless appliances & adjoins the dining area.

20003841 Farmington / $625,000

Stunning 2 story, 6 bedroom, 3.5 bath home setting on 7 +/- acres in central R-3 school district. Entering the home you will be in awe of the great room which boasts a large custom stone fireplace. Well designed kitchen is every chefs dream, with granite counter tops, center island & soft close cabinets. End your day in the main floor spacious master bedroom complete with en-suite bathroom.

20003102

Leadwood / $71,500

2400 square feet all on one level. Property was once used as commercial so floor plan is very large and open. This is a great opportunity to finish interior as you see fit. Property is full of potential and plenty of open space to add more bedrooms if needed. Property includes a large lot as well as ample parking and detached workshop.

19088522 Desloge / $124,900

20001671

Here is your opportunity to own commercial land near Walmart, banks, gas station etc!! Corner lot and approximate .70 acres, great location with lots of possibilities...make your dream business become a reality today!

Terre Du Lac / $329,000

Spacious 3 bd, 3 ba lakefront home, sitting on 1.4 acres more or less.

The home has approximately 2500 sq ft of living space & welcomes you with an open floor plan. Enjoy morning coffee, a meal or a late night snack while enjoying the view on the composite deck. Main level has a large master bedroom with large walk in closet, large bath with separate tub & shower, the perfect place to end your day.

20017348 Park Hills / $389,000

Experience the great outdoors at its best! Custom log home on +/- 50 acres with the St. Francis River running through it. Great location only minutes from Farmington but as secluded as you will find. Enter this well-maintained home and enjoy the open floor plan with a large great room and kitchen. You will love the huge master bedroom and main floor laundry.

14053885 Farmington / $690,000

Location, Location, Location!! Approximately 24.77 acres at the edge of town. Farmington area is growing leaps and bounds, don’t let this opportunity pass you by! This property is currently not in the city limits, but possibly could be annexed into the city. Numerous possibilities, retirement community, residential lots, apartments, condo’s or even commercial.

19063183 Farmington / $79,900

You will love this charming well taken care of home just outside Farmington. This home has many new updates. From the completely remodeled bathroom, updated kitchen with new tile and cabinets, new flooring throughout the home, to the all new pex plumbing and completely remodeled laundry room this home is everything you need.

Please Vote for Vicky Crocker Realty for Best of the Parkland 2020! www.facebook.com/vickycrockerrealty

PAGE A9  Friday, March 27, 2020

19084199

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, March 27, 2020  PAGE A10

How to prevent crabgrass

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ew things can give a home exterior that sought after wow factor as well as a nicely maintained lawn. A lush green landscape is a great way to show pride in home ownership and improve curb appeal.

As many homeowners know, lawns are under constant attack. The elements are rarely easy on lawns, and watchful eyes must always be kept open for other problems that can plague a lawn, including crabgrass.

Crabgrass can be a formidable adversary in the summer months. According to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, crabgrass begins as seeds.

These seeds germinate in spring or early summer. While crabgrass dies after the first hard frost in fall, crabgrass seeds remain dormant in winter, and the seeds then grow again in the following spring when ground temperature warms up.

Without action to prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating, homeowners will likely end up with patches of crabgrass throughout their lawns every summer.

The home improvement retailer Lowes® notes that a healthy lawn is the best defense against crabgrass. The healthier a lawn is, the harder it is for unwanted grasses like crabgrass to thrive. The following are a handful of strategies that can promote a healthy lawn and make it more difficult for unsightly crabgrass to establish itself in the months ahead.

Keep grass at a consistent length, and

don’t cut too low. Maintaining a consistent llength of grass by m mowing at regular iintervals can m make it hard for cr crabgrass to thrive.

Crabgrass requires ample sunlight to germinate, so grass that is not cut too short may keep crabgrass from growing in. Of course, grass should not be allowed to grow knee-length, either. By raising blades to the mowing height appropriate for their type of grass, and mowing at regular intervals so the grass remains at that height through the summer, homeowners can promote healthy lawns and make it harder for crabgrass to germinate.

Never cut too much of the blade off of the grass. When mowing, don’t cut too much of the blade off the grass with each cut, even if the grass seems especially long.

As noted, cutting too low allows sunlight to reach crabgrass seeds. But cutting too much off the blade, even if the grass is still high after a mow, can injure the grass. Injured grass can make lawns more vulnerable to weeds and crabgrass.

Apply a pre-emergence herbicide. Preemergence herbicides kill germinating grass seedlings before they emerge from the soil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding when and how much herbicide to apply. If crabgrass has already started to grow, it’s likely too late to apply a pre-emergence herbicide.

Crabgrass is an unwelcome invader in many lawns. Spring can be a great time to prevent this unwanted guest from returning this summer.

Why weeds can be found everywhere

T

he ubiquitous nature of weeds can make them seem like they can grow anywhere, and that’s because they can. Weeds can grow anywhere there’s room for them to sprout, including gardens, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. One of the things that helps weeds spread so much is how productive they can be at producing seeds. An actively growing weed plant will produce thousands of seeds and disperse those seeds throughout the season. One of the more recognizable weeds is the dandelion. During its growing season, a dandelion can effectively spread its seeds thanks in large part to the wind, which can blow seeds all over, thereby allowing a single dandelion to spread its seeds far and wide. Penn State Extension notes that successful weed plants share many characteristics, including an ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually. Successful weed plants also are clever in terms of getting around, as their seeds can attach to people and animals and even float on water.

Weeds also put up a fight when they’re confronted by humans. Humans who try to pull weeds may instead break them. The broken weeds can then resprout, ultimately spreading their seeds again. The resiliency of weeds also is evident in their ability to stay dormant for long periods of time. For example, weeds can stay in the soil for years before germinating, proving that these unwelcome guests aren’t just pesky, but also patient.

A

Aerate A lawn aerator will create holes in the soil. This can improve drainage and encourage worms and helpful microorganisms

Test and amend soil A great lawn has loamy soil, which has a key ratio of clay, silt and sand. Silt is a granular material of a size between sand and clay that originates from quartz and feldspar. It is the most fertile of the three types of soil components.

Sand does not retain water, but it helps to create spaces in the soil that permit air to circulate. Clay particles are small and bind together tightly, but clay is naturally nutrient-rich. The home improvement site BobVila. com says loamy soil should have equal parts sand and silt and half as much clay.

If the lawn is not yet established, loamy soil can be created and then the grass seeds planted. For established soil, after removing thatch and aerating, top-dressing the lawn can help. This involves adding a thin layer of soil over the lawn. It can improve the soil without killing the existing turf. Ideally, it should be done in early fall or spring, as this gives the grass time to grow through three to four more mowings before severe heat or cold sets in.

Healthy soil is vital to a lush lawn. It takes a little work, but improving soil can create vibrant, healthy, green grass.

PAGE A11  Friday, March 27, 2020

Remove thatch Thatch is a tightly knotted layer of leaves, grass roots, stems, and other debris that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil.

Too much thatch can hinder the movement of water, air and nutrients into the soil.

According to organic fertilizer company Organo-Lawn, thatch often occurs if the production of dead organic material in the lawn exceeds the ability of the microorganisms in the soil to break down that organic matter. A half-inch of thatch is normal. If thatch gets too thick, it will need to be removed. The home improvement resource DIY Network says dethatching can take place in the summer, fall and winter using a thatching rake.

that require oxygen to thrive in the soil. The Briggs & Stratton Company says the best time to aerate a lawn is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in any holes, such as spring and fall. Aeration can help develop deeper grass roots for a healthier lawn.

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lush, green lawn can vastly improve a home’s curb appeal.

Thick, healthy grass indicates that homeowners care enough about their properties to invest the time, effort and money to make them beautiful.

According to the landscaping tool company Troy-Bilt, soil fertility is the foundation of healthy lawns. In fact, the quality of the soil is essential whether one is growing acres of grass, potted plants or vegetable garden beds. No matter which type of soil a homeowner is working with, there are various ways to make it better.

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

Improve soil quality for a better lawn

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, March 27, 2020  PAGE A12

783-8455 • 756-2110

18 Court Square - Fredericktown

RAY STATLER 573-783-9921

CARLA SMALLEN 573-561-4175

IVAN STATLER 573-783-1316

TARA HALE 573-783-1848

EMILY WINKELMAN LIz WELCH 573-944-4178 573-440-4258

303 HWY 67 MARQUAND $50,000 #20015419 Need A place to build

604 W MAIN • FREDERICKTOWN $159,000 • #20003927

Newly remodeled 3-BR, 2-BA, full unfinished basement with walk up. Wood burniing fireplace with new insert. Barn in back of property to store all those big boy toys.

Close to downtown and hospital.

that dream home or weekend get away.

This 22 Ac. M/L is great hunting area backs up to Government ground. Don’t wait! wont last long. Only aprox 8 Miles South of Fredericktown.

A Must see!

1124 MADISON 260 • FREDERICKTOWN $297,600 • #20016344 Elegant 3-BR, 3-BA custom home on 11.24 acres. Full unfinished walkout basement, expansive deck partially covered over. Main floor laundry, walk-in closets and gourmet kitchen.

LD

O

S 508 WEST MAIN• FREDERICKTOWN 105 WEST COLLEGE • FREDERICKTOWN $149,000 • #19055187 $60,000 • #20007334

4-BR, 3-BA remodeled home sits on a half acre lot Two story home with lots of characteristics. of land. Yard is neatly landscaped with a 24x20 Recent updates have been done, just needs some garage/workshop. A beautiful staircase enhances finishing touches. Four bedrooms divided floor the entrance of the home. Built in 1892. plan provides plenty of room for a growing family.

804 OAK • FREDERICKTOWN #20001226

--- FROM THE BROKER ---

Due to the ever changing world. Please give us a call and check the current status of showing occupied homes. If you are interested in listing your home please call for appointment. The safety of my agents and clients are essential to me.

RAY STATLER - BROKER/OWNER