4 Ways to Make Your Lawn Work for You This Year
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“I’m tired, I’m thirsty, these weeds are bothering me, I don’t feel like growing in this spot—it’s too shady, hot, wet….” Do you ever feel like you’re a full time employee for your lawn? You work hard, you spend time and money to control the constant nagging of your turf, and sometimes there’s nothing to show for the service you give to your lawn.
We’ve compiled a list to turn the turf in your favor. Stop working for your lawn; below are four ways to make your lawn work for you, so you can sit back and relax.
Replace the M with a B
Be the boss of your moss, not the employee. Many people spend lots of time and energy trying to control moss on their lawns. Try to work with your lawn, not against it. Instead of worrying about how to control moss, replace it with mulch, hostas, or another shade-loving plant. Be wary when you spread fertilizer—moss loves to grow in the cracks and crevices where fertilizer collects on hardscapes.Let The Weather Do The Watering
Installing a rain barrel can save you money and take care of your flowers at the same time. Rain water can also help stabilize the pH in soil, creating better growing conditions for your plants. In addition, collecting it can divert water away from your foundation and prevent unwanted runoff. It’s a win-win-win.
*Be sure to check your local laws and regulations; some governments/municipalities claim rainwater belongs to them, not your 50 gallon drum.
*Don’t use rainwater on edible plants if your roof has been treated with zinc or anti-algae chemicals.
Mow the Right Way
You may think that mowing shorter means you have to do it less often, but that’s just asking for trouble. Don’t ever take off more than a third of the total grass length. Mowing regularly is a great way to ensure your turf grows thicker. Keep the mower deck high to keep your grass healthy and the weeds at bay. You can get away with mowing shorter in autumn, when there is less sunlight available for your lawn. You should also vary your mowing pattern: mow east to west one week, north to south the next.
Let It Reign
Exercise your newfound power over your lawn to take matters into your own hands. By following a specific water regime—letting it rain—you can encourage healthy lawn growth. Watering longer and infrequently is preferred over light and frequent watering. A good soaking encourages deep penetration and saturation. This watering method also encourages roots to reach deeper for a drink when they need it, which leads to a healthier lawn. If the lawn gets a small sip every day, the roots won’t penetrate to get the water since it’s on the surface, resulting in a shallow root structure and a lawn less likely to recover from damage. Don’t water during the peak sunlight hours, stick to early morning if you can.
If you have any questions about how to follow these tips or would like some help beautifying your lawn, make sure to contact your local Spring-Green —our lawn care professionals will give you the peace of mind that your lawn is in good hands. We’ll become the full-time employee for your lawn, and we know just what the boss wants. Now you can relax and laze away your Sundays!