Spring Is Back And So Is Lawn Care

Lawn care has moved up the priority list for many Americans who have, until recently, suffered through one of the harshest winters to date. The Spring passing of the Spring equinox on March 20 ushering in spring and a renewed sense of obligation to our lawns. It’s that time of year when many citizens of this land throw down their snow shovels and gas up their lawn mowers. Just in case your gardening skills are a little rusty here is a quick review of basic lawn care techniques.

A vibrant lawn makes a nice companion for flower borders and creates an inviting atmosphere for guests and family members. There are different types of grass for different situations but all lawns benefit from the three pillars of lawn care which are regular mowing, watering, and feeding. Your lawn may need extra care and attention in the spring and autumn depending on where you live.

MOWING

Knowing when to mow your lawn in simple. Mow the grass whenever it is growing, as long as the ground isn’t too wet or icy to safely operate your mower. HGTV explains how frequently you should mow your lawn. “In spring, mow once a week with the blades at their highest setting, and gradually lower them as growth accelerates. Use a box to collect the clippings, which can be composted, or use a “mulching mower” which doesn’t remove the grass but chops it into fine pieces, returning nutrients to the lawn. Rake off thick patches of clippings, which will damage the turf. In summer, a high-quality lawn may need cutting three times a week, but in autumn, as growth slows, once or twice a week should suffice.”

WATERING

There are several reasons to be efficient about watering your lawn. Number one, that water costs you money. Don’t watch more of your money flow down the gutter than you have to. Number two, water conservation. The population of human on Earth continues to grow, but the amount of water we have stays the same. Finally three, over-watering or under-watering your lawn can ruin your beautiful green grass.

According to WikiHow you should only water your lawn when it needs it. “The most accurate way to determine whether your lawn needs water is also the easiest: just look at the grass: When grass needs water, it will begin to take on a blue-gray tint, and the older leaf blades on the plant will begin to curl up or wilt. Footprints will remain on the grass for longer than usual, as the grass won’t “bounce back.” When 30 to 50% of your lawn shows these symptoms, it’s time to water.”

FEEDING

The amount of fertilizer you need to maintain lush green grass depends on several factors including how rich the underlying soil is, and if you occasionally leave the clippings on the lawn to help keep soil nutrients high. Be careful not to overfeed your lawn because it can result in weak growth, fungal problems, and weeds.

DIY Network recommends using a drop spreader to disperse the fertilizer onto your lawn. “The best way to fertilize a lawn is with a drop spreader. Pour the fertilizer into the top, and — as the name implies — it drops out of the bottom. You can change the settings to adjust the amount of fertilizer that is dropped on the lawn.”