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Author: Amanda Shiffler

Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.

Signs of Salt Damage on Your Lawn and Why They Happen

By Amanda Shiffler | Published: January 23, 2025
General Lawn Care

Learn the telltale signs of salt damage on your lawn — brown spots, dead or thinning turf, a wilted appearance — and why de-icing products cause harm.

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What is Compost?

By Amanda Shiffler | Published: January 23, 2025
Landscaping

Compost is decomposed organic material, like leaves, grass clippings, scraps, and food waste, that enriches soil, boosts plant growth, and supports sustainable gardening.

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How to Use Compost in Your Yard

By Amanda Shiffler | Published: January 23, 2025
Landscaping

Use compost in your yard by adding it to any soil used for growing plants, topdressing your lawn, mulching around trees, and stabilizing hillsides.

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What’s the Difference Between Pruning and Trimming?

By Amanda Shiffler | Updated: August 24, 2025
General Lawn Care, Tree care

Pruning and trimming are two of the most important ways to maintain trees. Knowing the differences and why both are beneficial is important.

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How to Repair Salt Damage on Your Lawn

By Amanda Shiffler | Published: January 7, 2025
General Lawn Care

Repair salt damage on your lawn by applying gypsum, leaching sodium from the root zone, topdressing, and overseeding affected areas.

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Ways to Protect Your Lawn From Salt Damage

By Amanda Shiffler | Published: December 23, 2024
General Lawn Care

Learn how to protect your lawn from salt damage with tips like creating barriers, flushing soil, and planting salt-tolerant grass this winter.

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How to Use a Soil Test Kit

By Amanda Shiffler | Updated: May 27, 2025
General Lawn Care

Learn to analyze your soil with an at-home test kit: collect samples, mix with test reagents, compare color results to charts, and discover your soil’s pH and nutrient levels in minutes.

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How Often Should You Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?

By Amanda Shiffler | Updated: March 10, 2025
Lawn Care Equipment

Lawn mower blades should be sharpened after 20 to 25 hours of use. They may dull faster if the grass is coarse or has a thick thatch layer.

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What is Pruning?

By Amanda Shiffler | Updated: December 14, 2024
General Lawn Care, Landscaping Tips

Pruning is an integral part of tree and shrub maintenance. It involves removing parts of the plant to make it healthy, productive, and aesthetically pleasing.

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Is Lawn Care Tax Deductible for Rental Properties?

By Amanda Shiffler | Updated: December 14, 2024
General Lawn Care

Understanding what you can and cannot deduct for tax purposes is incredibly important as a landlord. When lawn care expenses […]

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