Seeding vs. Sod: Which Is Best for Your Yard?

Which is better: seeding or sod? It’s a question many homeowners have when they want to ensure their lawn is lush and healthy. The best way to answer the question is to consider your yard’s current factors and conditions.  

How to Decide If Your Lawn Needs Seeding or Sod

Lawn care experts agree that assessing the current state of your yard determines whether seeding or sod is appropriate. First, you’ll need to compare the sections of weeds and dead grass to healthy grass. For example, if the lawn contains more than 40-50% dead grass or weeds, your best option is to start your yard over with new sod.

On the other hand, if 50% or more of your lawn grass is healthy, performing manual weed control and planting grass seed should be sufficient.

Another factor to consider is the grass you are growing on your property. There are more grass varieties for seeding available than sodding. So if you have a specific grass variety you prefer, you’ll need to find out if it’s available in sod or if you will need to stick with seeding.

Sod Installation Is Best Left to the Pros

While you may take a DIY approach to seeding, sod installation is more complicated. It has a brief 24-hour period for transplanting and requires proper installation. Reach out to trusted professionals to set your lawn up for success.

Whether you choose seeding or sod or are still trying to determine the best next steps for your lawn, the team at W.P. Law is here to guide you. Contact W.P. Law, Inc. today to get started.

How to Winterize My Outdoor Fountain

It’s fall, and it’s time to winterize outdoor fountains. If you have an outdoor fountain or water feature, you need to ensure it’s set up for cooler weather so you can still enjoy it when spring and summer roll back around. Here’s what you need to know.

The Climate Matters

South Carolina has a varied climate depending on what part of the state you live in. But, for the most part, it’s mild and doesn’t swing to extremes like the more northern states. Because of this, outdoor fountains and pond winterizing look slightly different than in places where they get a deep freeze.

Basic Winter Prep

Prepping your fountain for Winter in the south can mean removing debris, cleaning the fountain, and inspecting the pump. Then, drain the fountain and do a deeper clean before refilling it for a little more in-depth maintenance. Finally, if worried about colder temperatures, you can opt for a complete shutdown until spring. Shutting it down for the Winter includes unplugging, draining, and removing the pump for winter storage and blowing out the pipes in the system.

Keeping it Running in the Winter

If you decide to enjoy your fountain or pond year-round, it’s a great choice with our generally mild temperatures. The option of floating heaters is one way to ensure the water doesn’t freeze over when the temperatures dip. It’s also important to watch the forecast if extreme weather decides to head our way.

A great way to care for and maintain your water feature, including winterizing your outdoor fountain, is with fountain design, installation, and maintenance experts. Reach out to the team at W.P. Law, Inc. for all your fountain and water feature needs.

Maintaining Warm Season Grasses in the Winter

If you live in South Carolina, you might look out at your lawn and wonder about the best grass for Winter. Can you plant and seed in winter weather? Can you maintain warm-season grasses? Here’s what you need to know.

Which Type of Grass to Plant

There are two primary grass types, warm season and cool season. Warm season grasses green up in the spring and thrive in the summer heat and will go dormant with the first frost in late fall or early winter.  Warm season grasses include centipede, St. Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia.  Cool season grasses remain green and thrive in the winter months, but suffer during the hot summer months.  Cool season grasses include tall fescue and ryegrass. While most people in SC have warm season grasses as their lawn, a few will overseed their lawn with an annual ryegrass to keep the beautiful green color year round.

To Seed or Sod, that is the Question

While you can add sod in the Winter when the grass is dormant, the roots won’t take hold until the weather warms up in the spring and summer. Fall, however, is an ideal time for seeding cool season grasses. The summer heat can make it hard for the seeds to germinate properly, while the cool temperatures let the seeds root and thrive. Ryegrass is an excellent choice for winter seeding. Once established, it will do well and provide a lush, green lawn year-round. Overseeding in Winter is also a great idea because it improves the grass’s aesthetics and increases the lawn’s resilience.

Maintaining warm-season grass and knowing the best grass for Winter is an art. Still, with the right advice and guidance, you can nurture your grass this Winter for a fantastic lawn come spring. Contact the W.P. Law, Inc. team for the advice you need for winter lawn care.

It’s Tailgating Season! Tips for Using your Outdoor Grill this Fall

Are you wondering about using your outdoor grill this fall? Of course, it doesn’t get snowy and freezing in South Carolina in the fall and Winter, but the cooler weather can still affect your outdoor grilling. It’s football and entertaining season, so we’ve gathered our best tips for using your outdoor kitchen and grill this fall.

Bundle Up

Make sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing when grilling outdoors in cooler weather. Grilling can take time, and it’s more fun when you’re not freezing. Something to be very careful about are the gloves you wear. It can be tempting to grab something hot with regular gloves, but make sure you switch to heat-resistant gloves before handling the grill.

Patience is Key

Food cooks differently when it’s cool outside than when it’s warm. So be patient and adjust your timing and expectations accordingly. Keep the grill closed and choose recipes and foods that aren’t as sensitive to the temperature difference between the grill and the outside temperature.

Keep the Grill Outside

Some might think moving the grill under an overhang or into a garage is okay. Please do not do this. It’s a great way to start a house fire. A better alternative is upgrading to an outdoor kitchen and grilling area. You can include a grill, counter space, a sink, a roof, and so much more.

One of the best ways to cook and entertain during the fall football season and year-round is with outdoor kitchens and grills. So, if you’ve been dreaming of an outdoor space upgrade, now’s the time. Contact W.P. Law, Inc. for the expert team to help you bring your vision to life.

Tips for Irrigating Turfgrass in the Fall

Your irrigation system worked hard all summer, but is fall the time to shut it down for the Winter? In South Carolina, we don’t need to winterize our irrigation systems the same way in colder states to the north. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your grass and sprinkler system.

Keep Watering

Watering your grass in the summer is a no-brainer, but what about Winter? The general rule in the south is to keep watering year-round, even when the grass becomes dormant. In the Winter, the exception is when it rains. If we have a particularly wet fall and Winter, you won’t need to water as much. When it’s dry for more than a few days and the soil is dry, it’s a good idea to turn on the sprinklers and irrigate your lawn and landscaping. It’s beneficial to water in the morning instead of the evening to avoid fungus.

Irrigation System Winterization

In other states where the temperatures regularly get to freezing and below, it’s critical to drain and blow out sprinkler systems. In the south, with our mild climate, that’s generally not necessary. However, protecting components from freezing is still essential since we get some cold nights. If you have any exposed water pipes, drain them and the pumps. The rest of the system, especially what’s underground, should be fine in the South Carolina fall and Winter.

When you’re ready to transition from summer to fall, your local landscaping and irrigation system professionals can help. Contact the team at W.P. Law, Inc. for all the guidance you need.

How Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs Can Help Save You Money and Add Value to Your Home

energy efficient light bulbs

Has the thought of outdoor lighting energy costs kept you from adding lights to your landscaping?  We’ve got some good news.  You can save money while enhancing your yard and outdoor living space and adding value to your home with energy-efficient light bulbs.

How Energy-Efficient Bulbs Save You Money

There are several energy-efficient bulbs, including halogen and LED, with LED being the most efficient.  The efficiency of light bulbs comes down to factors such as brightness (lumens), wattage, and life span.  The bulbs that last the longest also use the least energy.  They emit the lowest heat, have brightness equal to their incandescent counterpart, and require the lowest number of kilowatts to provide light.  When bulbs use less energy, you save money on your utility bills.  When they last longer, some between 10,000 and 50,000 hours, you also save money buying fewer bulbs.

How Landscape Lighting Adds Value to Your Home

Outdoor and landscape lighting can add value to your home in ways you might not have considered, including:

  • Adds curb appeal by highlighting the beautiful areas of your yard and garden and showing the size and lushness of your landscaping.
  • Shows off your home’s architecture with lighting that accentuates its features and creates focal points.
  • Increases safety and security by deterring break-ins, theft, and trespassing.
  • Creates an inviting ambiance for your lawn and patio, increasing your home’s usable living space.

If the energy costs of outdoor lighting energy usage have been the thing keeping you from investing in this value-adding feature, it’s time to reconsider.  Contact the experienced team at W.P. Law to learn more about how energy-efficient bulbs let you have the lighting you envision without breaking the bank.

Nothing Welcomes Customers Like an Eye-Catching Entrance. 4 Ways an Outdoor Fountain Will Enhance Your Company’s Presence

outdoor fountain

Everyone loves water fountains.  They draw people in like magnets, which is just one of the reasons it’s time to consider adding one outside your business.  We’ve got four more great reasons an outdoor fountain will enhance your company’s presence.

Reason #1: They Reduce Stress

Running water calms and reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and stress.  In addition, studies show that fountains often boost serotonin levels and increase energy and overall sense of well-being.

Reason #2: Cut Down on Noise Pollution

Along with stress reduction, fountains decrease noise pollution.  The running water provides ambient noise and helps drown out unwanted noise from surrounding traffic, construction, and other businesses.

Reason #3: Draw in Customers

An eye-catching entrance and attractive curb appeal draw people to a business, and nothing boosts the outdoor look and feel of your building, like outdoor water fountains.  From diners to shoppers, potential employees to guests, you’ll get more traffic into your facility with a fountain out front that pulls people in.

Reason #4: Stand Out from the Crowd

These days, every business tends to look like every other business.  Everyone is looking for a leg up, and water fountains could be just what you need.  But, that extra touch that sets you apart from the rest can mean the difference between a customer choosing you and the guy next door.

If you’re ready to enhance your company’s presence with an outdoor water fountain, look no further than the local experts in designing, constructing, and installing commercial water fountains.  Contact W.P. Law to find out more.

Which Type of Pump is Best for My Irrigation System?

irrigation pump

The latest irrigation system pumps are available in a broad range of designs to meet lawn care and agricultural irrigation needs. However, it can be challenging to identify the right water pump for your irrigation application. Professional irrigation system design will give you the best results, especially if you are just getting started with a new system. The experts can tailor the irrigation system so you can get precisely what you need to optimize your irrigation efforts.

The most common irrigation system pumps include:

  • Centrifugal—a centrifugal pump moves fluid through the transfer of rotational energy to an impeller. Centrifugal pumps are typically classified as either self-priming or straight centrifugal pumps.  Both types are common in irrigation applications with the self-priming being slightly more popular in lawn sprinkler applications.
  • Submersible—a submersible pump as its name implies is used in submerged applications such as pumping out of a well.  Both the pump (wet end) and the motor are both submerged in the liquid being pumped.  Submersible pumps are used in lawn sprinkler applications and large submersible pumps are often seen in agricultural irrigation applications.
  • Jet— The jet pump used along with a jet is used for deep or shallow wells. The jet pump can also be used to pump from lakes or ponds as a centrifugal pump.

Easiest Way to Choose the Best Water Pump for an Irrigation System

Online research may provide you with all the details about different pump types suitable for irrigation applications based on water requirements and elevation changes. But it can be overwhelming to wade through the information and arrive at your optimal choice.

At W.P. Law, Inc., we are happy to offer irrigation system pump suggestions to meet your unique needs and budget. We’ll assess your irrigation system or help you design and install an irrigation system that gives you the best results. Turn to the team at W.P. Law, Inc. to get expert advice about irrigation system pumps.

Want a Lawn That’s the Envy of the Neighborhood? It’s Not Too Late – Try These 3 Tips on How to Make It Happen

lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood

If you are trying to stop weeds from growing to achieve a lush, green lawn, the best lawn care tips can help you achieve your goals. No homeowner wants their yard to be the eyesore of the neighborhood. With these expert tips, you can stop the constant lawn care headaches and enjoy a gorgeous lawn that brings you pride.

Tip #1: Mow Correctly at the Right Time

Lawn care professionals know that mowing correctly at the right time is one of the most crucial tasks to promote a thriving lawn. For best results, mow often enough, so you only remove 1/3 of the length of the grass blades. Always ensure the grass is dry before cutting and vary your mowing direction and patterns to prevent lawn ruts.

Tip #2: Use Proper Watering Techniques

A speedy watering every day may seem like a good idea, but it isn’t the best practice for your lawn. Experts recommend a deep, long watering on a less frequent basis. Doing this strengthens the grass and gives it sustenance to survive droughts or times with less rainfall. Use a sprinkler to water until the soil is sticky—not overly saturated. Keep in mind that your lawn will typically require less watering during the spring and late-fall than during the summer months.

Tip #3: Use Pre-Emergent Herbicide

During the spring, and again in the fall, apply a high-quality pre-emergent herbicide. Doing this will prevent spring and winter weeds from infiltrating your lawn. Herbicides are most effective when you apply them during weed and crabgrass germination when the soil is around 58 degrees. Use a soil thermometer to know when the time is right to perform the application.

Need more lawn care tips to stop weeds from growing and promote your most attractive lawn? Contact W.P. Law, Inc. for customized recommendations and fertilizer programs to meet the needs of your property.

Enhance Your Home Security with Outdoor Lighting. Here’s How…

outdoor lighting for home security

Landscape lighting is an effective way to increase safety and security on your property. The best outdoor lighting will achieve two main objectives: enhanced safety and security. Accent and hardscape lighting fixtures can light up steps and entry ways as well as areas of transition on walking surfaces. With optimal landscape lighting for the home, you can have peace of mind while adding beauty to your property’s exterior.

Top 3 Home Security Lighting Options

You have several different options when it comes to security lighting for a home. The right choice for your property will depend on several factors, including existing lighting in the neighborhood, home design, and security needs.

Here are some of the best options for illuminating your home for safety purposes:

  • Photocells: By using a photocell in conjunction with your lighting transformer, your landscape lighting can come on at dusk and turn off at dawn.
  • Motion-Activated Lights: Lighting comes on when something or someone triggers a built-in motion sensor.
  • Combination Lights: Lower intensity lighting shines continually during the night, and a motion sensor provides brighter light when someone or something is near your property.

Find the Best Home Security Lighting to Meet Your Needs

At W.P. Law, Inc. you will find outdoor lighting experts who can help you identify your needs and budget to achieve your home’s security lighting goals. We take the time to assess your property and offer professional suggestions to boost home security and property aesthetics. Connect with the friendly team at W.P. Law, Inc. to achieve optimized home security lighting.

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