Useful Maintenance Tips

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Mowing

Proper mowing is vital to a healthy lawn because it allows for deep root growth and discourages weeds and disease.

Lawnmower blade height should be set at 2 ½ to 3 inches or higher to prevent "scalping". Having a taller lawn provides insulation for the roots which guards against draught & heat. If you cut your grass too low, especially during the hot summer months, it can cause your lawn to burn out and turn brown.

Having a sharp mower blade is a "must" for your lawn. If your blade is dull, it will tear off the tops of the blades and cause them to turn brown.

If possible, use a mulching mower. Mulching helps keep the moisture in the soil from evaporating and also returns nutrients back to the soil. You may want to bag your clippings with the first mow of the season to avoid large clumps of mulch on your lawn, which will kill the underlying grass.

Do not mow in hot, dry weather. When you mow in these conditions, it can stress your lawn and once again cause it turn brown. Water evaporates quickly off of short grass. To help your lawn retain the moisture that it needs, allow it to remain longer in hot, dry weather conditions.

Watering

Watering properly is absolutely essential for maintaining a green, healthy lawn.

Your lawn requires a minimum of 1" a week to keep it green and growing and may require up to 2" a week during hot, dry weather.

For best results always water in the early morning or early evening. Avoid watering mid-day to prevent the sun from scorching your lawn and resulting in rapid moisture evaporation.

Fertilizing

Regular fertilization throughout the year is necessary to maintain a healthy lawn.

Applications required will be dependant on location, soil, & grass types.

Fertilization throughout the year will help your lawn to replenish nutrients and color depleted during the winter, reduce stress caused by drought and heat and develop strong healthy grass roots that survive from year to year.

Seeding

Re-seeding is a great way to promote a thicker lawn by increasing the density and improving the overall health and appearance of your lawn.

The best time for reseeding your lawn varies depending on your location, but generally occurs during the cooler spring and fall months.

Aerating

Lawn compaction is caused by excessive foot traffic, children & pets playing in the yard, or other objects that remain on the lawn.

Your lawn requires "breathing room" to grow. Aeration loosens compacted soil, increasing its ability to transfer air, water and nutrients to the root system.

Fertilizer and water should be applied immediately after to maximize the conditions created by aeration.

Soil

Understanding the pH level of your yard will help you create an environment most conducive to grass growth.

Grass prefers slightly acidic soil, so you can either add lime to decrease the acid level or add sulfur to increase it. If you live in an area where it rains a lot, you might need to add lime to your lawn once every year.

If a lawn turns yellow, it can sometimes be determined to be due to a lack of iron.

A soil analysis by an independant agricultural service can help you to determine what may be needed.

De-Thatching

A soft spongy lawn is usually a sign of thatch. Thatch is a layer of plant stems and dead roots caused by improper lawn mowing, watering or fertilization.

A thin layer of thatch – no more than a half inch – actually helps prevent ground compaction and holds moisture in the soil.

A thick layer of thatch is detrimental, harboring insects and disease and acts like a sheet of plastic that holds back water, nutrients and air – all the things grass roots need to stay healthy.

If you already have thatch problems, call us for assistance.

To avoid thatch buildup:

• Mow on the high side and rake vigorously, but without tearing your lawn.
• Water your lawn infrequently, but deeply – about an inch a week.