Unfortunately, grass cannot be left to its own devices. The result is often patchy, overgrown, and altogether unappealing. There are numerous tasks of tender-loving-care that can ensure a lawn’s healthy growth and lush appearance, which, in turn, can make a home more welcoming. Here are some of the most essential ones:
Mowing
Mowing the lawn regularly offers clear aesthetic benefits. A well-manicured lawn can give an entire property a visual boost. However, the reasons behind regular mowing stretch deeper than maintaining appearances. Mowing stimulates grass to grow lush and stay healthy, similarly to what is achieved by pruning a shrub or tree. Proper mowing technique is crucial to achieving these desired health benefits—another good reason to entrust your lawn care to a professional landscaping company.
Watering
Enough water is absolutely essential for any plant to thrive, including your lawn. Without enough water, the grass that you have patiently watched grow can be irreparably damaged, sending you back to square one. When you water your lawn and how much water you use are important factors to consider because if a lawn isn’t watered properly, it can end up doing more harm than good. Watering the lawn at night leaves the moisture with little opportunity to evaporate, potentially promoting the growth of fungi. Watering the lawn after applying fertilizer is an excellent strategy that encourages the absorption of nutrients into the roots.
Fertilizing
A sufficient amount of nutrients—in the right ratio—can kickstart the growth of new grass and maintain the healthy growth of existing grass. The type of grass your property houses will determine the amount and combination of lawn fertilizer required. Not only is expertise important, but applying the fertilizer evenly and strategically is also essential in the prevention of fertilizer burn or the contamination of nearby water sources. The well-executed fertilization of your lawn will enable it to grow greener and fuller.
Aerating
Aeration offers various benefits for a lawn and can be performed at different times during the year, depending on the state of your soil. It is typically done to combat compacted soil, which tends to develop during the wear-and-tear of the summer months. Lawns can become compacted by foot traffic, pets, and playing children, for example. The process of aeration creates holes in the earth, re-introducing space for the movement of water and nutrients through the soil. This improves the absorption of water and fertilizer by your grass. Aeration can also improve the effectiveness of overseeding, during which new seed is added over the existing lawn to fill in bare patches and achieve a fuller result. Aeration helps any new seeds to penetrate the soil and receive the water and nutrients they require to grow.
Seasonal Cleanups
Some seasons take a greater toll on your lawn than others. In the transition from fall to winter, leaves and debris should be cleared away to prevent their decomposition during the colder months. Decomposing and diseased leaves can alter the entire surrounding ecosystem, from the acidity of the soil to the growth of weeds. In the transition from winter to spring, the lawn is often covered in debris that must be cleared away, and the lawn trimmed, to promote new grass growth. Dead and damaged grass can be raked away to create plenty of space for the growth of new grass.
