For many people, creating and maintaining a beautiful lawn is both enjoyable and rewarding. Not only can a lush, green lawn enhance the quality of our lives, but it also serves as an important aesthetic focal point to our homes. While professional turf management can be an involved and time-consuming process, there are many easy ways in which homeowners can help build truly beautiful lawns. Let’s take a look at some seasonal lawn care advice and tips for creating the perfect yard.
Establishing a Healthy Lawn
Vibrant lawns begin with a strong foundation. First and foremost, growers will need to choose grasses that will thrive in their growing zone. Factors which influence growth include, but are not limited to, the amount of sunlight received, cold and hot weather temperatures, and the amount of moisture required to thrive.
In general, grass seeds are best planted in the fall when summer temperatures have been allowed to cool. This will ensure the best chance of success, as seedlings are less likely to be stressed while becoming established. Overseeding, or planting more seeds in patches where grass is sparse, can also be done at this time. Proper seeding is a vital component to the establishment of a thick and healthy lawn.
Maintenance and Care
One of the most important aspects in the creation of a green oasis is the establishment of a fertilization regime. While these routines will vary from one lawn to another, depending upon the specific needs of the location, homeowners generally choose to apply nitrogen at certain intervals throughout the growing season – beginning in spring. Nitrogen, the nutrient responsible for green growth in plants, is especially beneficial to turf plantings. For optimal results (and safe use), nitrogen and other fertilization products should always be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s label.
Once a healthy lawn has been established, it is of the utmost importance to establish guidelines for continued care. Of course, this includes the removal or treatment of troublesome weeds, as well as frequent mowing.
Mowing should always be done at a rate consistent to that which the grass is growing. While lawns may require mowing more than once a week during the peak growth of the season, it is important to also consider factors such as heat and drought when maintaining turf grasses. This will ensure that mowing schedules do not cause undue stress within the lawn. In many cases, stress may lead to the development of pest of disease issues.
For the best cut, professionals recommend keeping mowers and blades clean and sharp. Though the process of cultivating turf grasses may be somewhat intimidating to homeowners, the rewards of doing so can bring years of enjoyment to yards.
Creating rich green spaces of lawn need not be just a dream. With just a few general guidelines on its care throughout the season, a beautiful lawn can be achieved almost effortlessly.
