F&W Blog
Lawn Care & Landscaping Tips for Central Illinois
Practical, season-by-season advice for the clay soil and freeze-thaw winters of Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, and Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.
Overseeding
September 2026
Best Grass Seed for Central Illinois Lawns
Choosing grass seed for Central Illinois: tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass blends, sun vs shade picks, and the best fall seeding window.
October 2025
Fall Overseeding: Thickening Your Lawn Before Winter Arrives
Learn how fall overseeding creates a thicker, healthier lawn. Expert tips on timing, seed selection, and techniques for winter preparation.
Snow Removal
September 2026
Commercial Snow Removal Contracts: A Property Manager's Guide
What property managers in Central Illinois should know about commercial snow removal contracts: per-push vs seasonal pricing, triggers, sidewalks and salt.
January 2019
Be Careful With That Salt!
Rock salt melts ice on sidewalks but dehydrates grass and plants. How to use ice melt in Central Illinois without brown edges and dead shrubs come spring.
Irrigation Systems
September 2026
Sprinkler System Cost in Bloomington-Normal, IL
What an in-ground sprinkler system costs in Bloomington-Normal: typical installed prices, how zones and lawn size affect cost, and how to plan for clay soil.
December 2025
Smart Irrigation Controllers: Are They Worth the Investment?
xplore smart irrigation controller benefits including water savings, convenience, and weather-based adjustments. Compare costs vs. long-term ROI and efficiency.
December 2025
Irrigation Systems for New Construction: A Complete Guide
Plan the perfect irrigation system for your new construction project. Learn about design options, installation timing, and cost-effective watering solutions.
December 2025
Irrigation System Leaks: When to Call a Professional
Learn to identify irrigation system leaks and know when DIY fixes won't cut it. Discover warning signs that require professional repair to save water and money.
October 2025
Irrigation Winterization: Protecting Your System from Freeze Damage
Essential irrigation winterization guide to prevent freeze damage. Discover blowout techniques, drainage methods, and system protection tips.
September 2025
Common Spring Irrigation Problems and Quick Fixes
Spring irrigation not working? Identify and fix common problems like clogs, leaks, and pressure issues with these quick solutions.
September 2025
Best Irrigation Practices For Bloomington, Illinois Clay Soil: Expert Tips
Master irrigation for Bloomington, Illinois clay soil with proven techniques. Learn drainage solutions, watering schedules & soil amendments for healthy crops.
August 2025
How to Plan Your First Irrigation System in Bloomington, IL
Learn essential tips for planning your first irrigation system in Bloomington. From soil types to permits, get expert advice for homeowners.
August 2025
How To Fix Low Water Pressure In Sprinkler System
Learn how to diagnose and fix low water pressure in your sprinkler system. Troubleshoot clogged nozzles, valves, and water supply issues.
April 2025
How to Start Irrigation System in Spring: Step-by-Step Guide
How to start irrigation system in spring effectively. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure your garden thrives all season long.
June 2019
Irrigation: Did You Know? A Separate Meter Can Save Money
Water from a separate irrigation meter often skips sewer charges, so an irrigation system can water your lawn for less than the garden hose. Here is why.
May 2019
Irrigation: Head-to-Head Coverage
Head-to-head coverage means each sprinkler throws water to the next. Why it matters, and the brown spots you get when an irrigation installer skips it.
Landscaping
September 2026
Landscape Lighting Ideas for Central Illinois Homes
Landscape lighting ideas for Central Illinois homes: path lights, uplighting, patio and step lights, security lighting, low-voltage LED fixtures and timers.
September 2026
Outdoor Kitchen Cost & Planning Guide for Central Illinois
What an outdoor kitchen costs in Central Illinois, from a simple grill station to a full custom kitchen, plus how to plan one that handles our winters.
September 2026
How Much Does a Paver Patio Cost in Bloomington-Normal?
What a paver patio costs in Bloomington-Normal: typical price per square foot, what drives the total, and how to plan a patio that holds up to Illinois winters.
September 2026
Retaining Wall Cost in Bloomington-Normal, IL
How much a retaining wall costs in Bloomington-Normal: typical price per square foot of wall face, what affects the total, and why drainage matters in clay.
September 2026
Yard Drainage Solutions for Clay Soil
Fix soggy yards and standing water in Central Illinois clay soil with grading, downspout extensions, French drains, dry creek beds and core aeration.
February 2026
Designing Large Residential Landscapes: Tips & Ideas
Planning a large residential landscape? Explore design tips, layout ideas, and expert advice to help you create a stunning and functional outdoor environment.
May 2025
Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Busy Homeowners
Discover low maintenance landscaping ideas that are easy to implement. Transform your garden with simple and effective solutions for a beautiful outdoor space.
September 2019
Vale Church Landscaping Project
Landscaping for Vale Church’s new building, and the ongoing grounds maintenance that keeps the property looking its best year after year.
September 2019
Transforming Outdoor Living Space: The Ekis Project
How details like textured materials and edged paths transformed the outdoor living areas of the Ekis home. Walkway and patio ideas from F&W Lawn Care.
August 2019
Crooked Creek Patio Adds Space and Style
Extending a plain covered patio with a curving brick patio, fire pit and bench wall. How F&W turned a basic outdoor space into a showpiece for the family.
July 2019
A Backyard Staycation in North Normal
A North Normal backyard built for staying home: a double-sided stone and brick fireplace, shade structure, irrigation and trees by F&W Lawn Care & Landscaping.
June 2019
Water Features for Beauty and Healthy Living
Fountains and water features add beauty, calm and value to an outdoor living space, and they mask street noise. What to know before adding one.
June 2019
Beautiful Space. Happy Customer.
A patio and fire pit built for friends and family, and what makes a backyard gathering space work. Photos from F&W Lawn Care & Landscaping projects.
May 2019
Decks Offer Space for Living
Elevated decks, low platforms and the patios below them: how outdoor structures add usable living space and value to a Central Illinois home.
April 2019
Just Like Magic! Backyard Renovation Time Lapse
Watch a backyard turn into an extension of the home: extended patio, outdoor fireplace and a high-tech irrigation system by F&W Lawn Care & Landscaping.
February 2019
Dreaming of Spring? Winter Is The Time To Plan
Winter is the best time to plan spring landscaping and hardscape projects in Central Illinois: get on the schedule early, sort out permits and design.
Mowing
September 2026
How Much Does Lawn Mowing Cost in Bloomington-Normal?
What lawn mowing costs in Bloomington-Normal: typical per-visit prices for homes, commercial rates per acre, and what is included in a professional mow.
April 2025
Best Time to Mow Your Lawn in Spring
Best time to mow your lawn in spring can lead to a beautiful, well-maintained yard. Explore our comprehensive instructions for spring lawn care.
Lawn Care
September 2026
When to Apply Pre-Emergent in Central Illinois
Time crabgrass pre-emergent right in Central Illinois: watch 55°F soil temperatures and forsythia bloom, consider split applications, and avoid seeding conflicts.
January 2026
Winter Lawn Care Tips to Prepare Your Yard for Spring
Keep your lawn healthy all winter long. Expert tips on winter lawn care help you prepare your yard for a lush, vibrant spring season ahead.
January 2026
Why You Should Prepay for Lawn Maintenance This January
Learn why January is the best time to prepay for lawn maintenance. Lock in lower rates and avoid price increases.
December 2025
Common Lawn Diseases in Bloomington, Illinois: How to Treat Them
Discover which lawn diseases threaten Bloomington grass and how to treat them. Expert advice on diagnosis, treatment, and maintaining a disease-free lawn.
November 2025
Fall Weed Control: Targeting Weeds Before They Return in Spring
Fall weed control planning prevents winter invasions by using preemergent strategies and maintaining lawn resilience during seasonal transition.
October 2025
Fall Lawn Care in Bloomington-Normal: Dealing with Illinois Weather
Bloomington-Normal fall lawn care guide addressing Illinois weather challenges with aeration, seeding, and preparation strategies.
October 2025
5 Reasons to Invest in Professional Lawn Care in Bloomington IL
Discover 5 reasons to invest in professional lawn care in Bloomington Illinois including expertise, time savings, and enhanced curb appeal.
June 2025
Pruning Tips That Keep Your Landscape Neat Without Overdoing It
Pruning tips are essential for maintaining healthy plants. Learn the best techniques and strategies to enhance your garden's growth.
May 2025
The Best Time to Apply Fungicide in Bloomington, Illinois
Applying fungicide at the best time in Bloomington ensures your plants stay healthy. Learn the optimal schedule and expert recommendations here.
April 2025
Year-Round Lawn Care Guide for Bloomington, IL Homeowners
Complete year-round lawn care guide for Bloomington, Illinois homeowners. Season-specific tips for maintaining a vibrant lawn in our unique climate.
April 2025
Top Spring Lawn Care Tips to Boost Curb Appeal
Get your lawn spring-ready with these top lawn care tips designed to boost curb appeal and keep your yard looking healthy and vibrant all season.
July 2019
Beetle Mania: Spotting And Stopping Japanese Beetles
How to tell if you have Japanese beetles, what to do when you see damage, and how grub control next spring stops the next generation in Central Illinois.
April 2019
They’re Baaaaack: Getting Rid Of Dandelions
Dandelions are back in Central Illinois lawns. Why pulling them fails, how to kill the deep taproot, and why a thick, healthy lawn is the best defense.
Fall and Spring Yard Clean Up
April 2026
Bloomington Spring Clean-Up Guide for Homeowners
A quick spring clean-up guide to help Bloomington homeowners refresh their yard and prepare for lawn season.
November 2025
Fall Clean Up Checklist for Bloomington-Normal Homeowners
Complete fall clean up checklist for Bloomington-Normal homeowners covering leaf removal, gutter cleaning, lawn care, and yard winterization tasks.
Tree Care
July 2025
How To Protect Trees From Insects: Essential Care Tips
How to protect trees from pests and insects in Central Illinois: spotting infestations early, safe treatments and when to call a professional.
October 2019
Fall Root Feeding: Seasonal Care for Trees & Shrubs
Fall root zone feeding puts fertilizer where trees and shrubs need it, strengthening roots for winter and healthy spring growth in Central Illinois.
July 2019
Watch Out for Bagworms!
Bagworm bags on arborvitae and evergreens hold 300 to 1,000 eggs each. When they hatch in Illinois, the damage they do, and how to treat and prevent them.
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Call the office or send a quick request. Free quotes for homes and businesses across Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, and Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.