Useful Terms to Know

Aeration is the process of loosening soil to allow more water, air, nutrients and sunlight into the ground and reduce compaction.

Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic material, such as kitchen and yard waste, to produce a nutrient-rich, soil-like material.

Corn Gluten Meal (CGM) is a pre-emergent herbicide, which means it does not kill any established plants, but it coats seeds and prevent them from taking root.

Fall Raking is the removal of all the heavy leaf cover, and any thatch that has developed to an excess of ¼ inch thick.

Grass-cycling is when the grass clippings are left on your lawn after mowing.

Non-Selective Herbicide is used to target all plants in the area selected.

Overseeding is spreading grass seed over the surface of your lawn.

Pre-emergent Herbicide is an herbicide that is used to control and plant life before it has begun to emerge.

Selective Herbicide is used to target a specific type of plant.

Spring Raking entails simply removing any remaining leaf litter or debris after the snow has melted.

Topdressing is the process of spreading a light layer of compost or topsoil over the whole surface of your lawn so that more nutrients and organic material penetrate into the ground.