If you're like many homeowners, you may be eager to make your lawn look even better this summer than last year. Beautiful lawns don't just happen. They are created with the right methods and equipment. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful lawn this coming summer and forever more.
1. Fertilize
Your lawn needs certain nutrients at specific times during the year. To create the best growing environment for your grass's roots, you need to be sure your soil contains the necessary nutrients at the right time. You'll need to purchase different fertilizer mixes to treat your lawn at the various times. Lawn fertilizer is sold in bags that carry information about when it is to be applied, and how much.
Before you apply any fertilizer, however, check your soil's nutrient levels with a kit from your local nursery or hardware store. Since every grass species has different food requirements, you'll need to speak to your local nursery about appropriate fertilizers. Make sure you pay careful attention to how much to apply, because too much fertilizer can burn the grass and/or the roots. The easiest way to apply fertilizer is to get a spreader. This is a non-motorized, simple machine with a setting dial that releases the fertilizer as you walk around your yard. It's lightweight, and can be stored standing up or hanging in your garage. Most hardware stores sell them for under $30.
2. Water
You already know that your grass needs water. But did you know that the quantity of water can lead to healthier looking grass? Unless you live in a rainy region of the country that receives plenty of rainfall, it's likely that you'll need to supplement your lawn watering in order to get the best looking lawn possible. There are three ways to do this:
- You can water the lawn by hand with a garden hose and a sprinkler nozzle. This is hardest to do because it takes the most personal time, and there's no way to ensure even distribution.
- You can set up a network of garden hoses on your lawn and attach sprinkler heads to them. This is better than hand watering, but requires you to move the hoses so the grass doesn't die underneath the path of the hose. You also need to remember to turn the water on and off, and to monitor the water so puddles don't form.
- You can install an underground sprinkler system. This is the easiest option because you can program the water to turn on and off, and you don't have to monitor the water flow.
3. Cut
Mowing your lawn for maximum beauty and health requires more than just trolling around your yard with a tractor or push mower. As your grass grows, it grows seeds at the top of each blade. If your lawn is thinning, delay mowing until the blade is sufficiently tall to form seeds. As you mow, the seeds will propagate. If your lawn is showing signs of withering, mow your lawn short. This will reduce the blade length and increase the amount of nutrients available to the grass.
If you need a professional to install a sprinkler system for you, visit Wagner Sod, Landscaping and Irrigation Co., Inc.
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