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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.

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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What is a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?

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

Self-propelled lawn mowers make cutting your grass easier by using a drive system that propels the mower forward to aid you when you mow.

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Lawn Aeration in Iowa: Everything You Need to Know

by Amanda Shiffler, Kimberly Magerl | Updated: September 13, 2024
Iowa

Explore insights on lawn aeration in Iowa–from benefits to DIY tips. Elevate your lawn’s health with expert guidance.

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Best Grass Seed for Iowa Lawns

By Amanda Shiffler | Updated: March 11, 2025
Iowa

Looking for grass seed for your Iowa lawn? Discover the best species of warm-season and cool-season grasses plus tips for each.

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Lawn Care Schedule for Iowa

by Amanda Shiffler, Kimberly Magerl | Updated: September 12, 2024
Iowa

Unlock a healthy Iowa lawn with our seasonal care guide. Follow our Iowa lawn care schedule for year-round health.

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Fusarium Blight: How to Identify, Control, and Prevent It

By Amanda Shiffler | Updated: January 28, 2025
General Lawn Care

Fusarium blight is a fungal disease commonly seen in cool-season lawns during summer. Learn to spot it, kill it, and keep it from coming back.

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