Tips for a Healthier Lawn

By Steve Bielinski

Summer is better with a healthy lawn, and a healthy lawn takes a little bit of work. Here’s some advice to make sure the grass is greener on your side of the fence.
 

DON’T RUSH IN

You probably want to get to work as soon as the snow melts, but patience is a virtue. Beginning to work on your lawn while there’s still frost in the ground can be harmful to the grass, and do more harm than good. Avoid beginning your spring routine if you walk on the lawn and it feels spongy or water saturated.
 

CLEAN IT UP

There’s a lot of dead organic material that will accumulate over a long winter. Dead leaves and grass prevent your lawn from getting the right amount of oxygen and sunlight. Start with a leaf blower to clear off any loose debris, and follow up with a thatching rake to remove all the dead grass matted down into your lawn. These two simple steps will allow your lawn to quickly come back from winter dormancy.
 

FERTILIZE, FERTILIZE, FERTILIZE, FERTILIZE

Keeping your lawn healthy is a season-long job. A four-step application program over the entire growing season will ensure a beautiful lawn all summer long.

Application 1: Early spring, crab grass prevention

This first round should be applied when soil temperature is around 52 degrees. It will help rejuvenate your lawn after winter, and prevent noxious weeds from taking over.
 

Application 2: Weed and feed
The second round should be applied at the first sign of blooming dandelions, typically early-to-mid June. It will strengthen your lawn and kill of dandelions.

Application 3: Late summer feed
The third round should be applied in August. This application is feed only, with no weed control additives. It will promote growth and keep your grass nurtured during the hot and dry summer months.

Application 4: Winterizing fertilizer
The final round should be applied in October while grass is still growing. This application will keep your grass well-fed through the winter, allowing your lawn to come back greener and faster next spring.

Applying fertilizer is as easy as buying a spreader and reading the directions on the bag. And if you don’t have time, you can always use a lawn care service.
 

TREAT IT WELL

Throughout the summer you’ll need to take regular care of your lawn. This includes regularly removing debris, picking up after your pets, and cutting the grass. Remember to have your lawnmower blades sharpened at least twice a year. Dull blades don’t cut grass, they tear it, which can leave your lawn susceptible to disease. A sharp blade will cleanly cut the grass, keeping your lawn safe.

Thinking about a new home with a beautiful yard for playing catch and hosting barbecues? Contact us to learn more about getting into your next place.