Follow these eight great tips to achieve green (or greener), healthier grass:
1. Aeration.
When grass gets too thick, nutrients and water can’t penetrate to the roots where they are needed. Poke holes in the lawn to improve air circulation and allow water and nutrients to move to the root zone.
2. Fertilize.
Give your lawn a boost in the spring, once soil temps reach 55°F. Feed about 4 weeks later, and then every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. A slow release granular fertilizer will help avoid burning the lawn.
3. Mower Blades.
Keep the blades on your mower sharp, dull blades will “tear” the grass instead of cutting it cleanly and allow water to leave the grass blades more quickly.
4. Mowing Height.
Only cut the top 1/3 of the grass off at each mowing. Taller grass creates more shade, holding more moisture in the soil. Taller grass also encourages a deeper root system.
5. Grass Recycling.
Allow grass clippings to stay on your lawn instead of bagging them. This helps to recycle nutrients, fertilizing your lawn and also reduces water requirements. Another Alternative to this would be brewing grass clipping tea in big barrel filled with water. Let it sit for a week and then you can feed the nitrogen rich tea back to your lawn.
6. Pet Problems.
Urine contains acid, and this acid can create brown spots on your lawn. If your pet has a favorite spot in the yard to do his or her business, flush the area with extra water to dilute the acid.
7. Water.
Most lawns need 1-1.5” of water a week, from rainfall or sprinklers. It’s best to give your lawn more water, less frequently, to encourage roots to grow deeper. Timing depends on climate and soil type.
8. Crabgrass.
High temperature will encourage crabgrass to emerge, and try to take over your lawn. The best defense is a dense, healthy stand of grass that is kept at a slightly higher height and fertilized well.
If you need help with pesky weeds, check out our Weed Control section for a product suitable for your weed needs.