Do you want your lawn to look like a green carpet, outdoor fun with family and friends? The key to the perfect lawn is preparation, planning, and maintenance. These are the things that are always at the front of a lawn care professional’s mind when they are tending to your lawn. Here are some of the things an expert would do to make sure you are happy and satisfied with your lawn.
Selecting the Right Type of Grass
If you want to be be proud of the appearance of your lawn, everything begins even before you roll out the grass. Lawns can have different textures depending on the variety of grass used. It can feel as fine as a golf course or rough and thick. However, the feel of the grass isn’t the only factor considered in determining the final choice. The climate in your area is also an important factor as the grass cannot grow to its best potential if not supported by the environment. Ask a lawn professional what type of grass grows best in your locale.
Grass types suited for cool seasons will go dormant in the warm seasons, and vice versa. Dormant grass looks brown but can turn green again when watered. Experts love to plant a mix of cold and warm season grasses for areas with a combination of both climates to have a more wholesome look all year round.
Soil Preparation
One of the most important steps to soil preparation is pH checking. A professional will never skip this test because they know incorrect soil pH can cause the grass to become unable to absorb nutrients, which will lead to malnutrition or even death. The ideal pH for lawn grasses is a little on the acidic side, at 6.5. After measuring the pH, the next step a professional would take is enrich the soil with nutrients. Many experts mix compost, loam, sand, and the original soil to pack as many nutrients as possible.
Nutrients won’t be able to penetrate into the root system if the soil is too compact. Experts often poke holes into the soil to improve oxygen circulation and aerate the lawn.
Weed Naturally
Crabgrass is the type of weed most often found on a lawn, especially in warmer climates. Most experts prefer a chemical-free way to get rid of weeds. In fact, their secret to weeding growing resilient species of grass that can naturally resist weed growth. Commercial herbicides aren’t usually used unless absolutely necessary as they can cause grass poisoning, ranging from a mild to a deadly level.
Frequent mowing can also prevent weed growth because it cuts off the weeds before they have a chance to scatter their seeds.
Fertilization
Experts recommend feeding the lawn at least twice a year, during spring and fall. The most basic fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. However, a professional will assess your particular lawn to see what nutrients it needs most. They may add other micronutrients such as sulfur, copper, and iron.
Fertilizing your grounds may make the soil become more acidic over time. Applying limestone every few years will restore the soil’s pH to the desired level. Limestone will also infuse important minerals, such as calcium, into the soil.
These are some of the things a professional lawn care service will do when they are attending to your lawn. However, as mentioned above, maintenance on your part is also a crucial factor to keep your grass green and well-manicured. Mow and water your lawn by following the proper guidelines. If you find yourself confused, don’t hesitate to ask your trusted lawn-care professionals for help.
Sources
How to Care for Your Lawn, HGTV.com
How to Achieve a Healthy Lawn, FamilyHandyman.com
