Kickstart Your Lawn
Spring is upon us, and it’s time to whip that lawn into shape.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to help kickstart your yard.
If you haven’t mowed your lawn yet, do it now.
Clear away any sticks or other obstacles that might be hiding in that overgrown grass, and don’t forget to sharpen your mower blade. A dull mower blade will leave jagged, uneven cuts that make your grass vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Remember the one-third rule: You never want to cut more than a third of the grass length at a time. And leave your clippings. They provide nutrients to your grass.
Hold off on watering.
Unless you’ve just planted some new sod or seed, we get enough rain to support good growth.
Don’t apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer just yet.
You can’t force grass to take on a deep green color this early in the spring. Color development is dependent upon temperatures, so have a little patience.
Once the weather warms up and your grass is growing rapidly, you can apply fertilizer based on to your species of grass, as well as your soil’s pH. You can test your soil’s pH with a simple kit from the state extension service. Our experts would also be glad to assist you with this.
Fertilizer application is crucial. The right product applied at the right time, at the correct rate, will result in full, healthy turf growth. Healthy, dense grass is the best method of weed control.
Check for soil compaction.
When soil is compacted, grass roots can’t break through it, so they don’t grow deep. Parking your car on your grass or heavy traffic in general can result in soil compaction. Fix compacted soil with an aerator (you can rent them at an equipment rental store), or have a Lawn & Pest Solutions professional aerate your yard for you.
Assess your yard’s drainage.
Where does standing water collect in your yard after a rain storm?
It really shouldn’t. Water should drain away from your house, toward the street, and not onto your neighbor’s property. While we do not provide drainage solutions, we would be glad to consult with you about your problems and refer you to a reputable contractor.
This is the perfect time to plant new sod.
New sod or seed needs a fertilizer that’s low on nitrogen and high in potassium. And it needs water immediately after planting—seriously, right away. Once the seed germinates or your sod grows roots, gradually wean your turf off of irrigation. This will cause the roots to grow deeper in search of moisture.
If you’re debating which breed of grass is best for your lawn, our lawn specialists would be happy to help with that decision. Whether you want to cultivate a lawn that turns heads, or a lawn that is functional and low-maintenance, we’ll help you choose the turf that’s right for you and your yard.
Don’t seed grass or fertilizer by hand.
It’s practically impossible to spread grass seed evenly by hand. You can purchase a spreader at most home improvement stores for under $100.
Putting in a little extra work now will pay big dividends by the time full summer rolls around. In the early spring, your grass is fragile from its winter dormancy. Following these steps clears the way for your grass to grow healthily on its own. Once it’s up and growing, then we can apply more substantial measures.
We’re here to help.
As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free estimate and assessment. Our lawn care professionals have the expertise you need to create a plan to achieve your perfect yard.
