The (really) brief: Lawn care basics

Posted on:Mar 22, 2022

In less than 500 words, we’ll teach you the essentials of lawn maintenance. That way, your lawn gets the support that’ll really make it shine come #MowDay. Buckle in, we’re moving fast.

The five key elements of a healthy lawn are feeding (or fertilization), moisture, sun exposure, weed control, and proper mowing.

Exact amounts of each and the timing for various factors depends on your grass type and the climate you live in, but these provide a good rule of thumb.

Fertilizer

In early spring, you’ll want to apply lawn fertilizer. Just don’t use too much or you could see yellowish areas appear that are referred to as “fertilizer burn.” Fertilize again in late summer to help it recover from the hot, high-activity season. In late spring, dethatch your lawn if it’s thick—it could be preventing roots from getting precious sunlight and water. But don’t do it too early or you could damage young grass growth.

Watering

During the growing season, maintain about 1⁄2”-1” of water on your lawn weekly with heavy watering sessions. Light waterings promote shallow root growth. It’s also preferable to water during the morning hours, preventing unwanted fungal growth, pests and nutrient leaching.

Weed Control

Prevent weeds with red-and-white clover seed mixed into your grass seed in early spring to add an environmentally friendly covering that wards away weeds and stays green longer than many grasses.

Seeding or not, apply pre-emergent crabgrass and broadleaf weed control to stave them off before they pop up. Using mulch in your gardens also controls weeds.

Mowing

Cutting height and grass root length have a direct correlation—meaning it’s smart to mow regularly. Just don’t cut it too short. Longer grass is more stress-resistant, especially during hot summer months.

Avoid taking more than 1⁄3 of grass blades in one mowing session—maintaining a length of around 2.5-3” depending on your region—to keep your grass thick and healthy. So there you have it. Almost everything you need to know about keeping your lawn healthy in a nutshell. Follow these guidelines and you’ll likely enjoy a lush, green yard all summer long.

Sources:

https://www.almanac.com/lawn-care-tips
https://geckogreen.com/10-lawn-care-tips-for-beginners