Does it seem like having top quality grass in your lawn is unachievable? Does your lawn keep up with the neighbors? We have a simple lawn care guide that will get you results that will make your neighbors green with envy. To keep the green, you wan to keep your lawn thicker and greener, preserving its natural beauty.
Tips on How to Make Your Lawn Thicker and Greener
The first mistake to avoid is cutting the grass too low.
You might think that it will grow better if you cut it very short, however that’s not the case. Longer grass lets the soil remain cooler for longer, by trapping in the moisture. Essentially, it acts as a living mulch. Don’t cut more than 1/3rd of the grass at one time. Cutting it too much can cause the grass to burn and turn brown.
Before you start to cut, check your blade.
You want to be using a sharp blade. A dull blade will not only tear the grass, but will also allow pathogens to enter the grass, leading to disease. Check your blades regularly, and sharpen or replace as required.
Over time, the soil in your yard becomes compacted. With heavy use, this process is sped up. Why is compacted soil bad? That’s because compacted soil leads to poor water retention, and shallow root. This means air, water, and nutrients are unable to penetrate the soil deep enough to allow the roots to develop. The soil needs to be aerated at least once a year. You can do this by using an aerator.
For a great lawn, you need to ‘scarify’. Also known as dethatching, it is the process of removing thatch, or dead debris, like leaves, old grass, etc., which builds up in yards. Scarifying should be done in the spring and over fall. For spring, only need some light dethatching, with a rake. In the fall however, you will need to do heavier dethatching, using a specific thatching rake or a motorized dethatcher.
Get a Greener Lawn
Water is crucial for your lawn. A healthy lawn needs sufficient water. You know your lawn is thirsty if it looks dull, lacks color, and grows poorly. Depending on what kind of lawn you have, you need to water accordingly. A sandy or well drained soil needs about one inch of water. Clay or compacted soils need only about half an inch. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning. And make sure you never cut your grass when it’s wet. It’s a common mistake that will lead to unevenly cut grass, and can also pave the way for diseases.
Fertilizing can be an overlooked step in lawn care. However, fertilizing can really add some much needed luster to your lawn. Potassium rich fertilizers are good to use in the fall and winter, to promote cold resistant grass. In the spring, use fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, as that will stimulate vegetative growth.
No doubt, you have spent some amount of time wrestling with weeds. Once weeds have crept in, they are extremely difficult to get rid of. Keeping your lawn well cut on a regular basis will actually keep many weeds at bay. But you will need weedkiller or a weeding tool for the more stubborn ones. And make sure you pull them out by the roots if you’re weeding by hand, or they will be back. A good weed eater will help you keep the lawn looking beautiful.
Your lawn is a living plant, and its proper care depends on the type of soil, variety of grass, and the regional climate. Getting a lush, green lawn is not difficult, with a little bit of care.
Final Thoughts
Achieving a thick and green lawn doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By avoiding common mistakes like cutting your grass too short, keeping your blades sharp, aerating the soil, and scarifying at the right times, you’ll create the ideal environment for your lawn to thrive. Regular watering, proper fertilization, and effective weed control are also essential for maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn. With a bit of attention and care, your lawn can become the envy of the neighborhood, with lush greenery that will last throughout the seasons. Keep in mind that your lawn is a living organism, and treating it with the right steps will help ensure its natural beauty flourishes year-round.
