Tired of the tedious and grueling work of maintaining your lawn? Does it seem no matter how hard you try, it still looks patchy and unkempt? The following are some common lawn-care mistakes that may be causing your woes.
Seasonal Tasks
Are you doing the right tasks for your yard at the wrong time of year? Most tasks are seasonally time sensitive. They should only be performed at certain times of the year and before certain temperature changes. Timing is everything. That is one of the great things about hiring professional lawn care companies. They are trained to deliver the right products at the right time of the year and to deliver the guaranteed results you desire. If you want to do your own lawn maintenance, you should buy the necessary tools, equipment, and chemicals. Keep in mind that you will have a significant cash outlay to purchase a lawnmower, blowers, hedge trimmers, edging tools, fertilizers, and more. You’ll also need to learn how to use everything and find a safe place to store all the equipment. It is usually more cost-effective to hire a lawn care company and let the professionals deliver the right products at the right time with the proper equipment.
Fertilizer Use
Be careful when putting fertilizer down. The best time to put down fertilizer is during the growing season of spring and early summer. Applying too much fertilizer can damage the lawn. Depending on the type of fertilizer, it can burn the grass or leave it to starve. The soil in most areas contains the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium your grass needs. But most soils are not fertile enough to provide other essential nutrients to your plants or the grass in your lawn. Fertilizers are added to enhance the soil composition to promote strong roots and fast growth. The correct fertilizers are used to prevent grass burns, dead grass, and brown patches. Regular landscape maintenance typically includes scheduled fertilization. Lawn care service experts can identify what your grass needs and when. Not knowing when to fertilize can injure or destroy your lawn. Professionals will know when to apply and will keep you from having brown patches that can also lead to disease or plant problems.
The Right Amount Of Water
Providing the right amount of water at the right time is the secret. The common mistake is watering the lawn a little bit each day. This small amount of water is insufficient to reach the roots. Giving the lawn an inch of water all at once oversaturates the area. This also results in a brown and crispy lawn. The best idea is to give the lawn a third of an inch of water three times a week early in the morning. The roots will then be fully hydrated.
The Results Of Cutting Your Grass Too Short
Mowing too short (“scalping”) can have some pretty serious repercussions; it can weaken and even kill your lawn. Additionally, cutting too short will limit the grass’s nutrient supply, giving weeds free reign. This limits the amount of sunlight and air that your grass is exposed to, which can inhibit the grass’s development and weaken the roots. This weakening can then leave your lawn vulnerable to invasive weeds, diseases, and pests. Always mow the lawn with a sharpened blade to avoid damaging and bruising the grass blades.
Don’t Bag It
Clippings contain 80 to 85 percent water and decompose quickly. Research shows clippings do not contribute to thatch problems. Average mowing time can be reduced by 30 percent when grass clippings are not bagged. Besides saving time, you also save money by not having to purchase bags or pay for extra trash removal. When only mowing no more than just 1/3 of the grass blade, mulching will not over-thatch the turf.
How To Start A New Garden Bed In The Shade Areas
Grass is ill-suited for life in completely shaded areas — this often includes areas under trees. Areas that rarely see sunshine will not do well even with shade grass varieties. Most grass types require at least 5 to 8 hours of sunlight to thrive. So, mulch the area or consider turning the area of the lawn into a shade planting bed. This will save time and grief trying to maintain the perfect green lawn. If you’re new to shade gardening, planting coleus is a great place to start. It’s easy and fast-growing with an almost infinite number of color combinations!
How To Grow Grass In Bad Soil
Bring in a load of good dirt before laying seed or sod. Purchase a truckload of quality topsoil through a garden center or company that provides various types of dirt for contractors. Use a wheelbarrow to cart the dirt around the yard and spread it evenly with a rake before laying seed or sod over the top. Water thoroughly and keep the yard watered until the grass has been established. Grass does better when it has a good base. Seasonal core-aerating the grass can help to alleviate compacted soil conditions and thatching.
Hire A Pro Like Green & Grow!
Not only does having a beautifully landscaped home with the most perfect lawn make you the envy of the neighborhood, but it also adds value to your home. It takes time and knowledge to do the job effectively. Life can be busy, so you may not want to spend any free time working on your lawn when you could be having fun. If you need help or don’t have any time to invest, our team at Green & Grow can help you get your lawn looking better than ever– and keep it that way. We are trained and experienced to meet all your lawn and landscaping needs. We offer services to keep your lawn green all year long! We offer landscaping, mowing, and even seasonal maintenance services like aeration or snow shoveling. We are here to help
A properly maintained lawn creates an inviting entrance for your guests, adds beauty, and increases property values. Your well-manicured yard has a significant impact on your home’s appearance and curb appeal. A neglected, overgrown lawn with weeds and uncontrolled shrubs detracts from your home’s appearance and decreases the value of your property.
Contact us (859-314-LAWN) for more information or a free instant quote!
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About Green & Grow
About Green & GrowGreen & Grow is a full-service lawn care company specializing in fertilization & weed control, aeration & seeding, insect control, and more!
- Fertilization & Weed Control
- Aeration & Seeding
- Mosquito Control
- Flea & Tick Control
- Armyworm Control
- Emerald Ash Borer Treatment
- Commercial Snow Removal