How To Get Your Spring Lawn in Tip-Top Shape
Springtime is the perfect season to get your lawn looking as good as it needs to. Here are the best ways.
Mow the Grass Properly
The first item of lawn care is, of course, the grass. Everyone wonders how much grass should be mowed and what the length should be. Generally, you want enough greenery to support the process of photosynthesis, meaning that plenty of foliage is exposed to sunlight. If you cut the grass too short, it can damage the grass and result in wasting water. Try not to cut more that one-third of the blade during a mowing. It is also important to mow grass when it is dry as opposed to wet.
Fill in Bare Patches
While one of the best times to plant fresh grass seed is in the fall after crabgrass and weeds die out, you can still fill bare patches in your lawn in early spring. To plant fresh grass seed, start by weeding the area if necessary. Then just follow these easy steps:
· Loosen the topsoil.
· Spread new grass seed over the bare patch.
· Cover new grass seed with a few handfuls of topsoil and water generously.
· Be sure to water newly-seeded areas daily for at least the first week.
· Avoid mowing your newly planted grass until it’s at least 2” tall.
Rake
Rake the lawn in the spring to remove any debris, dead grass, leaves, twigs, and thatch. Snow mold disease may have infected your lawn throughout the winter and raking will help break up matted patches of grass, removing the damage. Even if you raked vigorously in the fall, another good raking in the spring is suggested for optimal lawn results.
Water
Don’t do more work than you need to! Only water your lawn if it needs to be watered. There is usually enough rainfall in April to take care of irrigation for you. But if not, the rule of thumb is to apply one inch of water per week. Water deeply for about 30 minutes in each area, but no more than two to three times a week. Watering deeply and less frequently will encourage strong healthy roots.
Fertilize
Like overseeding, don’t fertilize your lawn if you’ve applied herbicides. If you haven’t, then slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizers are your lawn’s best friend. A top-quality fertilizer will nourish your lawn and help shield it against drought and heat.
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