An attractive lawn requires multiple care techniques: proper watering and fertilization are critical; as is keeping weeds at bay. Mowing regularly also plays a significant role.
Running the sprinkler every time the sun shines, overusing fertilizers, and cutting grass too short are all ways that you can weaken and make your lawn vulnerable to drought, weeds and pests. Here are some tips that can help ensure a lush green yard all year long!
Watering
Well-watered lawns create deeper-rooted grass plants, providing better defenses against drought and disease. But it’s essential not to overwater or water too often – as overdoing either could ruin a good thing!
Early morning watering of your lawn – between 4 and 6 a.m. – is ideal. Calm winds and temperatures reduce the chances of water evaporation before its roots can absorb it, and evening watering may leave droplets on grass and leaves overnight, providing ideal conditions for fungal diseases to take hold.
Most lawns require approximately 1-2 inches of water weekly. Any more frequently can suffocate the grass and deprive it of oxygen, leading to its death. Watering deeply but infrequently is the key to encouraging deep root growth and helping your lawn become more drought tolerant.
Fertilizing
Your grass depends on fertilization to obtain the necessary nutrients it requires for healthy growth and vitality. Without enough nutrition, grass may appear thin or become susceptible to diseases, pests and environmental problems that compromise its survival.
Your choice of fertilizer depends on soil conditions, grass species and your geographical location. Liquid fertilizers can usually be applied with a garden hose and canister; for granular products use either a rotary or broadcast spreader.
Over-fertilizing can damage grass and lead to an abundance of weeds, so be careful not to apply fertilizer too soon before it rains as much of it could end up washed away by flooding rivers and drains. Apply it once the ground has dried out slightly instead. Spreaders help make sure fertilizers are evenly applied.
Weed Control
Weeds are unwanted plants that compete for resources with desirable grass, taking away space, water, and nutrients that would otherwise go to its growth. When weeds grow they quickly absorb soil nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus before your lawn can, leaving it weak and vulnerable to diseases, pests, and environmental threats.
Maintaining regular weed control can protect the appearance and value of your property, both aesthetics-wise as well as economically. Not only are weeds unsightly, they may also pose health threats when inhaled; for instance creeping indigo poses such a threat when eaten causing seizures, diarrhea and possibly death in animals as well as people.
Idealy, it would be advantageous to spray pre-emergent herbicide in early spring in order to stop weeds from germinating in the first place. Once they do sprout up however, use either traditional or organic post-emergent herbicide after they have bloomed to ensure proper control.
Pruning
For optimal health and appearance of trees and shrubs on your property, pruning should be undertaken regularly. Pruning can improve their overall health and aesthetic appeal; in addition, it helps avoid insect problems, stem the spread of diseases, promote new growth and encourage flowering blooms.
Pruning should take place at the right time of year; otherwise, mistimed cutting could damage your plants.
Pruning should take place during winter, when active plant growth doesn’t interfere. Dead branches should also be removed to reduce the risk of fungi or decay spreading to healthier parts of the plant and lightening loads for larger branches, helping them grow more vigorously.
Aerating
Aeration is at the core of any effective lawn maintenance routine, providing essential air circulation that aids grasses’ water and nutrient absorption. Aeration involves landscape design adelaide punching holes into soil to allow air flow for improved grassgrass consumption.
Also, mulch helps stale carbon dioxide escape more efficiently and make room for fresh oxygen, contributing to healthier soil and stronger plants.
Aerating can be done either in the fall or spring depending on your soil type and lawn traffic levels, but beware aerating too close to dry weather as this could cause your lawn to wither and turn brown. Before beginning aeration, mark sprinkler heads and shallow utility lines so your spiked aerator does not strike them with its spikes.