Do You Have A Green Lawn You Can be Proud Of?
Do you take pride in the way your yard looks? Are you looking for ways to make your lawn stand out from all the others in your neighborhood? Growing a lawn that will be the envy of your neighbors is very possible, but there are some things you need to know about them in order to accomplish your goal. If you really want to produce lush, green park-worthy landscapes, then here are the top ten tips for a perfect lawn!
1. Preparing Ideal Soil:
In order to grow a great lawn, you need to start with the soil. If it is to acidic, it will burn the seed. Soil must have the right nutrients for proper growth. Check with the local nursery to find out how to examine your soil content.
2. Proper Sunlight:
Lawns often grow in patches or uneven due to getting too much shade in certain areas. Healthy lawns must have approximately six hours of direct sunlight each day in order to grow. If you have trees or bushes that are covering part of the yard, trim them back to allow access.
3. Aeration:
Grass needs to have room to grow. If the soil underneath is too compacted due to foot traffic or other causes, it will hinder the lawns growth. In order to prepare the ground, use an aeration tool that can be found at any home improvement store or nursery. Aerating the soil will allow the grass to breathe and grow properly.
4. Proper Watering:
For grass to grow properly it must have the right amount of water. Watering should be done on a scattered schedule. Watering every day often produces shallow roots. When you do water, soak the soil deeply to allow the grass to draw from the moisture. Do not water during the heat of the day. The optimum time for watering is in the early morning.
5. Proper Grass for Region:
There are many different types of grasses which grow in different environments. It is important that you make sure the seed you use is able to grow in your region.
6. Proper Mowing:
Mowing should be done using sharp blades and the grass should be cut to no shorter than 2 to 2 1/2 inches high. Make sure that you do not mow when the lawn is wet, as this can create ruts in the ground. Also change your pattern of mowing, again to prevent ruts from developing.
7. Thatching:
Every Spring, you should spend extra time to revive you lawn from the Winter cold spells. One of the best ways to bring your lawn back to health is to do some thatching. Use a flexible rake to run through the blades and do some thinning. This is much like a person thinning hair, which allows the lawn to grow properly.
8. Fertilizing:
Adding proper nutrients to the soil regularly is important for proper growth. Check with your local nursery about the amounts and types of fertilizers for your soil.
9. Use grass clippings or mulch:
When mowing your lawn, leaving the clippings can actually help the growth as long as clippings are short and do not prevent the lawn from receiving the proper sunlight and aeration.
10. Watch for Parasites:
Keep an eye out for weeds, mold and diseases from pests as well as other parasites. Using herbicides are fine as long as they do not inhibit the grass from receiving proper nutrients. There are two types of herbicides: Pre-emegents (usually applied once a year to prevent diseases) and Post-Emergents (which are applied when diseases are found). You also need to watch our for weeds like Japanese Knotweed, which is classed as a hazardous waste, and needs to be disposed of carefully if you are to avoid prosecution.
These are the best ways to keep your lawn green and thriving. You will be able to beam with pride as your neighbors envy your golf course quality lawn. Follow these top ten tips for a perfect lawn and people will be asking you for tips on helping them with their yards.
Add comment November 6, 2008
