Crabgrass is a warm-season annual weed that germinates in the spring, usually when soil temperatures reach around 55°F for several consecutive days. Once it takes root, it’s hard to control without damaging your desirable grass. It grows low and wide, producing thousands of seeds per plant that can lay dormant and germinate the following year. This makes prevention essential.

Pre-emergent herbicides are designed to create a protective barrier in the soil, preventing crabgrass seeds from germinating in the first place. Timing is crucial—you’ll want to apply a pre-emergent before soil temperatures rise and germination begins.

At Renewed Outdoors, we carry several effective crabgrass control products that also support overall lawn health:

• Combines a powerful pre-emergent herbicide with a slow-release fertilizer.
   
• Prevents crabgrass while promoting strong early-season growth.
   
• Great for homeowners who want weed control and fertilization in one pass.
   

• A no-nitrogen formula for customers who want targeted crabgrass control without additional growth stimulation.
   
• Ideal for established lawns where you don’t want to push top growth early in the season.
   

• Part of the Scotts 4-Step Annual Lawn Care Plan.
   
• Designed to prevent crabgrass and feed the lawn for a quick spring green-up.
   
• A trusted name for homeowners who want a simple, seasonal approach.
   

In the Midwest, including NW Ohio, the best time to apply a crabgrass preventative is typically mid to late March through early April, depending on weather. For best results:

• Apply when the soil temperature hits 50–55°F consistently.
   
• Water the product in lightly to activate the barrier.
   
• Avoid disturbing the soil (raking or aerating) after application.
   

Crabgrass is persistent, but with the right timing and the right products, it’s preventable. Protect your lawn early in the season with a pre-emergent treatment—and enjoy thicker, greener turf all year long.

Stop into Renewed Outdoors or visit our website to stock up on the best crabgrass prevention products available. Our team is here to help you choose the right solution for your lawn.

The mild temperatures, coupled with warm soil, offer optimal conditions for seed germination and grass establishment. Whether you're dealing with thin areas or simply want to rejuvenate your lawn, overseeding is a highly effective strategy.

Fall overseeding helps refresh your lawn by introducing new, stronger grass varieties that improve overall resilience against pests, drought, and disease. Unlike spring, when weeds can dominate, fall overseeding faces less competition, giving new grass the chance to thrive under ideal conditions.

1. Prepare the Soil: Before overseeding, mow your lawn shorter than usual and remove any debris. Aeration is crucial because it allows seeds to settle into the soil, promoting better germination. Water the lawn a couple of days before aerating to soften the soil.
2. Choose the Right Seed: For cool-season lawns, blends like Renewed Outdoors Pro Athletic—containing 70% Turf-Type Tall Fescue, 20% Perennial Ryegrass, and 10% Kentucky Bluegrass—offer excellent durability and appearance. This blend is ideal for athletic fields or high-traffic areas.
3. Fertilize Appropriately: After overseeding, it's critical to apply a high-phosphorus starter fertilizer to promote root development. The Andersons 18-24-12 Starter Fertilizer with Humic DG is a perfect choice. This fertilizer not only provides essential nutrients but also includes humic acid to enhance soil health and improve nutrient uptake, ensuring a stronger start for your new grass.
4. Water Consistently: Keep the soil moist during the first few weeks to help the seeds germinate. Water lightly but frequently—about 2-4 times a day—so the seeds don’t dry out.
5. Post-Seeding Care: Once the grass reaches about 3 inches in height, you can start mowing, but avoid cutting it too short. Fertilizing again about 6-8 weeks after germination will further strengthen your new grass.
6. 
   

Fall overseeding with quality products like Renewed Outdoors Pro Athletic Grass Seed Blend and The Andersons 18-24-12 Starter Fertilizer with Humic DG ensures your lawn is set up for success through winter and into the next growing season. By following these steps, your lawn will emerge healthier and more resilient.

Whether you're freshening up a garden bed, creating a new pathway, or leveling a yard, knowing how much material to order is crucial for a successful landscaping project. This guide will walk you through the steps to accurately calculate the amount of mulch, gravel, topsoil, or sand you need, so you can order just the right amount and avoid costly overages or shortages.

The first step in determining how much material you need is to measure the area where you'll be applying the product. For most projects, you'll need to measure the length and width of the space in feet.

• For Square or Rectangular Areas: Measure the length and width, and multiply them together to get the area in square feet.
  Area=Length×Width\text{Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width}Area=Length×Width
• For Circular Areas: Measure the diameter of the circle, then divide by two to get the radius. Use the formula for the area of a circle.
  Area=π×radius2\text{Area} = \pi \times \text{radius}^2Area=π×radius2

Each type of material will have a recommended depth, depending on its use. Here are some general guidelines:

• Mulch: 2 to 3 inches for garden beds
• Gravel: 2 to 4 inches for pathways, 4 to 6 inches for driveways
• Topsoil: 4 to 6 inches for new lawns, 2 to 3 inches for garden beds
• Sand: 2 to 3 inches for leveling, 1 to 2 inches under pavers

Convert the depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12.

Now that you have the area and depth, you can calculate the volume of material needed in cubic feet.

Volume (cubic feet)=Area (square feet)×Depth (feet)\text{Volume (cubic feet)} = \text{Area (square feet)} \times \text{Depth (feet)}Volume (cubic feet)=Area (square feet)×Depth (feet)

For example, if you have a 10-foot by 10-foot garden bed and you want to apply 2 inches of mulch:

• Area = 10 feet × 10 feet = 100 square feet
• Depth = 2 inches ÷ 12 = 0.167 feet
• Volume = 100 square feet × 0.167 feet = 16.7 cubic feet

Most bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard or ton. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards:

Volume (cubic yards)=Volume (cubic feet)÷27\text{Volume (cubic yards)} = \text{Volume (cubic feet)} ÷ 27Volume (cubic yards)=Volume (cubic feet)÷27

For the previous example:

• 16.7 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 0.62 cubic yards

For gravel or sand, which may be sold by the ton:

1 cubic yard of gravel typically weighs about 1.4 tons, and 1 cubic yard of sand typically weighs about 1.5 tons. So, if your project requires 1 cubic yard of gravel:

• 1 cubic yard × 1.4 tons = 1.4 tons of gravel

It's always a good idea to order a bit more material than your calculation indicates—typically 10% extra—to account for settling, compaction, and slight measurement errors.

To make this process even easier, you can use our cubic foot calculator available on our web app. Simply input your area measurements and desired depth, and the calculator will do the math for you!

Estimating the right amount of landscaping material may seem daunting, but by breaking it down into these simple steps, you can ensure that your project goes smoothly. Whether you're ordering mulch, gravel, topsoil, or sand, these calculations will help you get the job done right the first time. And remember, if you need assistance, the experts at Renewed Outdoors are always here to help!

 Having gophers and moles in your yard can be frustrating, but recognizing their presence early can help you take action quickly. Here are some signs to look for:

1. Mounds of Soil: Gophers create fan-shaped mounds, while moles create conical mounds.
2. Surface Tunnels: Moles often leave raised ridges or surface runways in lawns.
3. Plant Damage: Gophers chew on roots and can cause plants to wilt or die.

Active Ingredient: Zinc phosphide

Application Description: For gophers, use the plug removal or main runway baiting techniques. For moles, treat active tunnels by creating a hole, placing a teaspoon of bait, and carefully closing the hole without collapsing the tunnel or covering the bait with soil. Repeat treatments if activity persists​ (Tomcat Brand)​.

Warnings:

• Not for use against gophers in North Carolina.
• Not for mole use in California or Indiana, and not against star-nosed moles in North Carolina.
• Always use gloves when handling the product and dead animals.
• Follow disposal instructions on the product label.

Active Ingredient: Zinc phosphide

Application Description: For gophers and moles, place the poison peanuts in their active tunnels. Locate active tunnels by probing the ground near mounds. Open the tunnel carefully, place the bait, and close the opening without covering the bait with soil. Regularly check and repeat as needed​ (Victor Brand)​.

Warnings:

• Not safe for use around pets and wildlife.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Always wear gloves when applying and handling the product.

• Always read and follow label instructions for safe and effective use.
• Use protective gear: Wear gloves and wash any tools used for baiting thoroughly after use.
• Post-treatment: Safely dispose of dead rodents and excess bait to prevent secondary poisoning of non-target animals​.

By carefully following these guidelines and using the right products, you can effectively manage and eliminate gopher and mole problems in your yard.

Introduction: A lush, green lawn is the pride of any homeowner, but it's under constant threat from various pests. One of the most destructive pests that can wreak havoc on your grass are army worms and grubs. Identifying and addressing these pests early can save your lawn from significant damage. In this blog post, we will explore the signs of infestation, the importance of controlling harmful pests, and how to effectively eliminate them using Duocide by The Andersons.

Signs of Infestation: Before diving into the solution, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of a grub or army worm infestation:

1. Patchy Brown Spots: Small, irregular brown patches that gradually expand can indicate grub activity.
2. Spongy Turf: If your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it, it might be due to grubs feeding on the roots of the grass.
3. Increased Animal Activity: Birds, raccoons, and skunks digging in your lawn could be after grubs beneath the surface.
4. Visible Pests: In severe cases, you may see army worms or grubs on the surface of the soil, particularly early in the morning or after rain.

Why It's Important to Control Harmful Pests: Eliminating grubs, army worms, fleas, ticks, and other harmful pests is essential for several reasons:

1. Protecting Lawn Health: Pests like grubs and army worms can cause significant damage by feeding on grass roots and foliage, leading to unsightly and unhealthy lawns.
2. Preventing Spread of Diseases: Fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance; they can transmit serious diseases to humans and pets, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
3. Maintaining Property Value: A well-maintained lawn enhances the aesthetic appeal and value of your property.

Eliminating Pests with Duocide by The Andersons: To tackle these pests effectively, we recommend using Duocide by The Andersons, a highly effective product designed to combat multiple harmful insects.

When to Apply:

1. Early Spring: Begin applications in early spring when the soil temperature reaches around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is when grubs start to become active.
2. Late Summer to Early Fall: A second application in late summer or early fall helps control the next generation of grubs and army worms, ensuring they don’t overwinter in your lawn.

How to Apply:

1. Mow Your Lawn: Before application, mow your lawn to ensure the product can reach the soil more effectively.
2. Apply Duocide Evenly: Using a broadcast spreader, apply Duocide evenly across your lawn. Follow the product label for the correct application rate based on the size of your lawn.
3. Water In: Lightly water your lawn after application to help the product penetrate the soil and reach the pests.
4. Repeat as Needed: Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to reapply the product according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Additional Tips:

• Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on your lawn throughout the growing season for any signs of pest activity.
• Integrated Pest Management: Combine chemical treatments with good lawn care practices, such as proper mowing, watering, and aeration, to keep your lawn healthy and less susceptible to pests.

Conclusion: Dealing with army worms, grubs, fleas, ticks, and other harmful pests is essential to maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn. By recognizing the signs of infestation early and using effective treatments like Duocide by The Andersons, you can protect your lawn from damage and ensure it remains a vibrant part of your home landscape. Remember, a proactive approach to lawn care is the best defense against these persistent pests.

At Renewed Outdoors, we understand that the secret to a vibrant, healthy lawn goes deep below the surface. Over time, soil can become depleted of essential minerals and nutrients, leading to visible problems and poor plant health. That's why we carry a comprehensive range of soil amendments from trusted brands like The Andersons, Bonide, Espoma, Crystal Blue, and Earth Science. These products are designed to address nutrient deficiencies and improve soil structure, ensuring your lawn stays lush and resilient.

The first step in revitalizing your lawn is identifying signs of nutrient deficiency. Common indicators include yellowing leaves, slow growth, and brown patches that fail to thrive even with adequate watering and care. These symptoms suggest that your soil may be lacking in key minerals such as lime, iron, and carbon.

Soil amendments work by adding back the crucial elements your lawn needs to flourish:

• Lime: Often used to correct soil acidity, lime helps increase pH and improve the availability of other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium.
• Iron: Essential for chlorophyll production, iron amendments can help prevent and correct yellowing of grass blades known as chlorosis.
• Carbon: Organic amendments rich in carbon, such as those from Earth Science, can enhance soil structure, moisture retention, and microbial activity, leading to healthier soil.

Timing and correct application are crucial for maximizing the benefits of soil amendments:

• Spring: Early spring is ideal for applying lime and carbon-based amendments, preparing the soil before the growing season.
• Fall: Iron supplements are best applied in the fall, helping to strengthen plants against the stress of winter.
• Annual Soil Testing: To precisely tailor your soil amendment needs, we recommend getting your soil tested annually. This analysis will guide you on exactly what your lawn needs and in what quantities.

Follow these general guidelines when applying soil amendments:

• Test your soil: Before adding any supplements, have your soil tested to determine its current nutrient and pH levels.
• Follow instructions: Use the recommended amount as stated on the product’s package, generally applying 50 to 100 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet or according to your specific soil needs.
• Even distribution: Ensure that any granular products are evenly spread over your lawn. Watering after application helps some amendments penetrate the soil and begin working.

Not sure where to start? Our knowledgeable staff at Renewed Outdoors are here to assist with choosing the right amendments, and providing detailed application instructions. Visit us to get personalized advice tailored to your lawn’s unique conditions.

By incorporating the right soil amendments from Renewed Outdoors, you can restore the health of your lawn, ensuring it remains beautiful and robust all year round. With the right care and the right products, your lawn can become a testament to your dedication and love for your outdoor space.

 At Renewed Outdoors, we understand that your home is your sanctuary, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of pesticide solutions tailored to protect it from any kind of pest invasion. Our expert selection ensures effective control whether you're dealing with ants in the kitchen or moths in the closet.

For common nuisances like ants and aphids, TERRO’s ant baits and Ferti-Lome’s specialized solutions provide targeted action to eliminate these pests at the source. When dealing with wasps and yellow jackets, Rescue traps are designed to safely capture these flying insects, reducing their populations around your home without harsh chemicals.

Indoor pests such as moths and beetles are effectively managed with Revenge’s non-toxic pheromone traps, which lure pests without endangering your family or pets. For the formidable challenge of termites, Hi-Yield products offer a robust defense to safeguard the integrity of your home’s structure.

The battle against ticks and mosquitoes, especially during warmer months, calls for Bonide’s repellents and granular treatments, creating a barrier that keeps these pests at bay. For quick and discreet ant control, Advion Ant Gel is a preferred choice. Its gel formula can be applied in small amounts near ant trails, effectively eliminating colonies and ensuring your home remains ant-free.

At Renewed Outdoors, we pride ourselves on being industry experts in insect control, both inside and outside the home. With our diverse product range, you can trust that we have the perfect solution for any pest problem.

Remember, the key to effective pest control is not just the product, but also the strategy. Our team is here to provide expert advice and support, helping you choose the right products for your specific needs. Protect your home and garden with Renewed Outdoors — your partners in pest control excellence.