A good-looking lawn needs a whole lot of care and attention. So you’ve got to put in the time to spruce up your lawn. Although you may devote constant maintenance to your lawn, you’ll be surprised at how invigorating it can be.
Remember that your lawn is not self-sustaining. So here are some tips and tricks to keep your lawn green and perfect.
Watering Tips
We know that water is important to maintain the health and growth of your lawn. It keeps the soil moist which provides nutrients making your lawn lush, thick and green.
Early morning is the best time to water your lawn and the earlier the better in the summer.
Is watering my lawn every day a BAD idea?
While water is essential for your lawn, too much of it can also be damaging. So, yes, watering your lawn every day is a bad idea. This is true even in the summertime.
Ideally, you should water your lawn 1 to 2 times per week. Do it for 45 minutes to an hour per area and make sure that all areas are covered. This prevents having bare patches which can be unsightly.
How often should I water my lawn in the summertime?
You may think that because it’s summer, it is better to water your lawn every day. The answer is still no. During the summertime, you should water your lawn 1 to 3 times per week and no more than that.
Is a water sprinkler the best choice for my lawn?
While sprinklers can be a good option, they may NOT be the best choice for a lawn water system. A highly recommended watering system for lawns is water irrigation. This is engineered to provide water to areas of the lawn where necessary. So not only will you maintain the health of your lawn but also save on water bills.
Mow it Right
Having a lush, thick and green lawn is not just about keeping the soil moist, you should also mow it right.
Should I mow my lawn too short?
When you think that mowing your lawn too short is perfect, think again. The truth is mowing often is better than mowing your lawn too short.
Don’t cut your lawn shorter than 4 centimetres as this can stress your lawn. You should also remember to not cut more than one-third of the grass blades. Cutting your lawn consistently and regularly helps the grass get enough nutrients from the sun and the soil.
How often do I need to mow my lawn?
Generally, you should mow your lawn once to two times weekly. This helps maintain the optimum growth and health of your lawn. Remember not to mow your lawn when it’s too hot or your lawn is too dry as this may cause grass disease.
What is the right way to maintain my lawnmower?
Here are some tips on how you can maintain your lawnmower:
- Learn the proper way of using your lawnmower;
- Keep your mower blades sharp and use a high setting when mowing;
- Never cut the grass after watering your lawn to prevent the lawnmower from clogging;
- Clear the lawn of any debris, candy wrappers and other things that might clump your mower blades;
- Never refuel a hot mower engine;
- Follow the manufacturer’s mowing guides when doing your slopes; and
- Don’t carry passengers on your lawnmower.
Why is my lawn going brown?
Generally, when your lawn is turning brown, it is not getting enough nutrients. Several factors cause the browning of your lawn, including heat or drought, cinch bugs, pet waste, grubs and fungi. In some cases, uneven watering can also cause some brown patches on the lawn.
How can I fix bare patches?
There are 2 ways to fix the bare patches on your lawn – reseeding and sodding.
Here are 7 easy steps to reseed those brown patches:
- Rake or clean the patches;
- Loosen the soil using a garden cultivator;
- Mix the existing soil with compost or loamy soil;
- Sprinkle the grass seeds on the area and rake the seeds lightly to spread them evenly;
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and allow them to germinate;
- Keep the seeds and soil moist by watering them every day for 10 days or until the grass sprouts; and
- Allow the grass to grow for about seven weeks before mowing the patched area for the first time.
And here are 4 quick steps to sodding your bare patches:
- Cut a sod patch making sure that it is at least 5 centimetres bigger than the bare areas of your lawn;
- Dig down slightly and remove the top layer of the lawn making sure that the sod patch is on the same level as the entire lawn;
- Loosen the soil of the patch area to ensure that the roots of the sod can anchor and grow healthily; and
- Fasten the sod to the ground by walking on it and watering it once or twice daily for the next two weeks.
Should I let the weeds just grow on my lawn?
Just like your lawn, weeds need nutrients to thrive. If you let those unruly weeds grow on your lawn, they may take up the nutrients that your lawn should be having. So, you should NOT let the weeds just grow on your lawn.
What should I do with bugs and insects crawling on my lawn?
First off, determine whether those bugs and insects are categorised as beneficial bugs, such as lady beetles and praying mantis. They prey on unwarranted pests and not your lawn. So, it’s ok to have beneficial bugs and crawlies on your lawn.
If, on the other hand, your lawn is infested by caterpillars, aphids, carpenter ants, oriental fruit moths and cabbage looper, it may be best to apply some pesticides. You may use organic or a formulated pesticide recommended by your trusted garden experts.
Feed Your Lawn
Fertilisation is an essential element in growing a lush thick and green lawn. Aside from the natural nutrients of the soil and water and vitamin D provided by the sunlight, your lawn also needs nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
How do I feed my lawn naturally?
Here’s how you should feed your lawn naturally:
- You may use a premix organic fertiliser or mix a solution according to instructions;
- Ask a garden expert near you about the proper proportion of herbicide and fertiliser solution if you want to ward off bugs at the same time;
- Your lawn should be properly watered before feeding it but make sure that the grass blades are dry to prevent burns; and
- Use a spreader in applying fertiliser to the entire lawn.
How often should I fertilise my lawn?
Generally, you should fertilise your lawn 2 to 3 times yearly. Fertilisation processes vary on the type of lawn you have but the best time to do it is when the grass is in its growing stage. And to ensure quality lawn growth, autumn and spring feedings are the minimum requirement.
Why is the pH level of the soil important for my lawn?
Having the perfect pH level in the soil helps your lawn absorb the nutrients they need to thrive and grow. The best acidity level for a lawn should be between pH levels 6 to 7.
These are just some tips to help your lawn reach its full potential.
Contact Mazzega’s Landscaping Supplies for the right lawn tools and products!