Nothing beats a lush green lawn. Your neighbours will want to know what you are doing to maintain the lawn. And although it sounds like a daunting task, it’s possible with a regular lawn maintenance routine.
If you want a lush, green, healthy lawn, you’ll have to put in the work. While it may sound hard, it’s doable and needs only a few hours a week. But if you have a busy schedule, you’ll have to get a professional to help you. They are always armed with turf equipment to make a perfect lawn in your space.
If you choose to do it on your own, there are several tools you’ll need to buy, like a rake, mower, and sprinkler. Otherwise, you can seek help from a professional.
To learn how to make lawn lush, below are nine tips for turf maintenance.
Tip #1: Choose the Right Grass Variety
To grow a healthy, lush lawn, you must start by planting the right grass. The best grass for your lawn will depend on the climate, soil type, and sun the lawn receives. Start by testing the soil pH and nutrient level and adjust accordingly.
In Canada, the best grass to grow are cold-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue, Bentgrass, and Ryegrass because the summers are usually short and winters very cold. Choose a shade-tolerant grass if your lawn has many trees.
Tip #2: Mow Your Lawn Properly
If you want that lush green lawn, you must first learn the art of mowing with turf equipment. As a thumb rule, you should mow your lawn once a week during summer and once every two weeks during the rest of the year. However, depending on your grass type, you may need to adjust the schedule.
Regular mowing encourages root growth, which will help fill the bare patches, forming a lush turf. The dense turf chokes weeds, so you’ll have little weed problems. Invest in a good mower and keep the blades as sharp as possible, as blunt blades will damage the lawn.
Never cut more than one-third of the grass height because you will weaken the grass, leading to diseases and weed infestation.
Tip #3: Water the Grass
How you water your lawn will also determine the health of your grass. Usually, you should water your lawn two to three times a week, depending on climate, grass type, and soil. But for new grass seeds, you’ll adjust five times a week or daily during hot summers.
The best time to water your grass is early morning (before 10 a.m.) because it minimizes evaporation and fungal growth. Avoid overwatering as it could lead to root rot and under-watering as it will cause the grass to brown and eventually dry.
Tip #4: Feed your Lawn
Fertilizing is also a crucial part of the lawn maintenance routine. Feeding your grass encourages the growth of a better root system, making your grass tackle stresses like foot traffic, heat, cold, and mowing better. While feeding your lawn once a year gives enough nutrients, you can feed it twice or thrice to make it healthier and more beautiful. Do this in spring and mid-summer for best results.
Tip #5: Aeration
Because of frequent mowing and foot traffic, the soil can get compacted, preventing air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots. This can cause the grass to die, leading to bare patches. Aerate your lawn at least once a year to grow healthier turf. You can use a garden fork or a hollow-tine aerating tool.
Tip #6: Weed Control
Weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, and clover always threaten your dream of owning a lush green lawn. Some of these weeds are hard to kill, and if you allow them to establish, they take a toll on your grass.
Regular mowing, feeding your grass, and sufficient watering can help control weeds, as healthy turf can suppress weeds. But if they keep popping up, you must eliminate them using herbicide. If you’re unsure which herbicide is best for the weeds, getting a professional to avoid damaging your grass is best.
Tip #7: Pest and Disease Management
Pests and diseases are another headache. Some pests will damage the grass by sucking its sap, while others will destroy the roots. Common lawn pests include aphids, chinch bugs, grubs, and nematodes.
Lawn diseases like brown patches, powdery mildew, snow mould, and rust can also destroy your lawn. You’ll need to identify the pests and diseases early to prevent spread and treat them accordingly.
Tip #8: Repair Bare Spots
Pests, diseases, weeds, and soil compaction can cause bare spots. After treating the problem, you’ll have to reseed the patches. Till the bare spot, sow the seeds and water daily until the seedlings are about two inches long. Skip mowing the part until the seedlings are over three inches long.
Tip #9: Dethatch Your Lawn
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that accumulates between lawn grass and soil surface. While enough thatch layers protect grass from drought and diseases, excess thatch can choke it by preventing water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots.
So, how do you know when to dethatch? If the lawn feels bouncy or spongy or the thatch is over half an inch thick. As a thumb rule, dethatch once every year when the grass is vigorously growing.
