lush LANDSCAPES
Lawn Care Tips Know the best grasses for your region
G
rasses suited to their growing region create exceptional lawns. One benefit of seed over sod is your expanded choice of grass varieties with specific qualities, from durability to texture beneath bare feet.
Get to know your soil
When it comes to your lawn, what happens above ground reflects what’s going on underneath. Get your soil tested, so you know your starting point for essentials such as soil pH.
Fix underlying issues
Use soil test recommendations to improve your lawn’s potential. Lime, for example, restores balance to soil pH so grasses can draw on available nutrients. Hit tough spots first, and then repair bare lawn patches. If your family includes pets, you’re sure to have some pet damage. But don’t worry; healthy lawns and happy dogs can coexist.
Seed correctly
Whether seeding new areas, overseeding your lawn or thickening exist26 LimitlessMagOnline.com | April 2022
Tips for Beginners
ing grass, timing is important. Coordinate with professionals to make sure your seeding corresponds with seasonal grass growth and the best time to plant grass.
Feed your grass
Lawn grasses need proper nutrition. Your soil test results will help determine how much nitrogen your lawn needs annually, based on its organic matter and other considerations. The numbers on fertilizer labels reveal the percentages of actual nitrogen and other nutrients products contain, so you can match the product to your needs. Be careful to not feed too much or too often.
Manage your water wisely Lawn grasses grow best when watered deeply at less frequent intervals. Shallow, frequent watering encourages shallow roots susceptible to drought and other stress. With good watering practices and water-conserving grass varieties, you can reduce consumption, save on bills and grow healthier, more resilient grass. Watering and other lawn tasks
naturally vary from month to month through your seasonal lawn care calendar, but you should always accommodate what’s happening in your lawn.
Fight weeds
Even when freshly planted, lawns usually inherit weeds and weed seeds. Weeds compete with grasses for nutrients, water and light. One lawn weed can quickly turn to more. One lawn weed can quickly turn into more.
Mow correctly
Always follow best practices for lawn mowing, and mow based on grass growth, not day of the week. Change mowing heights gradually over several sessions. Never remove more than one-third of the blade length at a time, or you risk inhibiting good growth above and below ground. Make tasks easier and less time-consuming by using the right turf tools for the job, based on your lawn’s size and your goals. For more information on sprucing up your outdoor space call Whispering Pines at 704-489-0100
