What are your resolutions for 2018? While we’re counting down the days to a new year, what goals do you have for the next 365 days? Do any of these goals include your lawn? With these tips from the lawn pros at Lawn Pride, we’ll help you create and maintain a lawn you can truly love all year.
Remember, “C.A.W.F.”
- Cutting
- Aerating
- Watering
- Fertilizing
The four essential actions to take on your lawn this year. Put your lawn care focus on these four duties, and you can’t lose! As with everything else in life, too little or too much of these, or doing them at the wrong times, can harm your grass. But, once you get into a good habit, you’ll see results in no time. And don’t forget– Lawn Pride is here to lend a helping hand every step of the way.
I Resolve to Cut the Grass the Correct Way
The average homeowner mows their lawn about 30 times a year. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your mower. Make sure to have your blade sharpened at the beginning of each mowing season. For the first cut, mow at least 2-2.5 inches. After that, raise the height to about 3-4 inches. Learn more about mowing height here and check out our advice for following the One-Third Rule.
I Resolve to Aerate
Aeration is the single best thing you could do for your lawn and the process makes a huge difference in the health of your turf. A non-aerated lawn is basically holding its breath forever. The best time of year to aerate is the late summer into fall when your grass is actively growing. By removing small plugs of soil, you expose your grass roots to nourishing sun, water, and oxygen. Look to the experts when aeration your lawn, and don’t try to do it yourself! Lastly, aeration provides ideal conditions for overseeding.
I Resolve to Use Water Wisely
Know that guy down the block whose sprinkler system goes off when it rains? Or, how about the other neighbor who’s lawn is completely brown and yellow? It’s crucial to understand when to water and how much to use based on your regional climate and type of grass. And, to keep an eye on your weather forecast!
A good rule of thumb about lawns - they prefer a handful of heavy soaks instead of a lot of little sprinklings. In the hot summer months, it’s important that your lawn gets at least 1.5 inches of water per week. Learn more watering tips here.
I Resolve to Feed and Weed
Fertilizing should be a two-fold process, in which you feed your lawn and kill your weeds. We mentioned timing above, and when it comes to these two tasks, timing is critical. Eventually, your soil will naturally lose many of the important nutrients it needs to survive. If you really want that lush, green lawn, you’re going to need to replace them. Fertilizer replaces and replenishes the essentials your lawn needs for a great look. Additionally, start treating weeds at the first sign of growth and stick with it. Killing weeds throughout the spring and summer seasons will keep weeds at bay all year.
Resolve to have the best lawn ever in 2018, and count on Lawn Pride to help you get there. Happy New Year!