Around this time of year, we all start to pull out our lawn mowers, fertilizer, pesticides and gardening tools. It’s the same routine every year for most people, but do you really know that you’re doing the best for your lawn? A lot goes into lawn care – cutting, the amount of water and fertilizer, and sunlight and air are all important factors when it comes to caring for and creating a lush green lawn.
A little known secret is that it is actually very beneficial to raise your lawn mower to the highest notch so you are only cutting the top third. Tall grass not only promotes better root development, but also shades the ground and prevents it from drying out. Another benefit is that the added shade blocks the sun from any weed seeds that may be lurking in your glass. These seeds need sun in order to grow, and without it, your lawn will be healthier and have fewer weeds.
When it comes to watering, it is important to only water once a week, but water very deeply. It is also important to know the kind of soil you have to know how much you should be watering. For example, sandy soil dries out faster and clay soils hold moisture longer and don’t require as much watering. When it comes to a newly seeded lawn, you should water ten minutes daily in order to dampen the seeds without causing any kind of runoff. Proper watering is very important to the development of your lawn.
When it comes to fertilizing, the bare minimum anyone should fertilize is twice a year, spring and fall. Keep in mind that many popular N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphate-potassium) fertilizers do not have everything your hungry grass needs. Try to choose a fertilizer that also has sulfur, copper and iron in addition to the usual ingredients. It is also important to test your soil’s pH and see if it needs a dose of dolomitic lime. Years of watering and fertilizing can cause soil to become acidic and if you have this problem, an application of this can fix your problem.
Last but not least, weeds and crab grass. No doubt about it, this can certainly be one of the most frustrating occurrences when it come to lawn care. Having a weed problem does not necessarily mean you need to immediately reach for one of those awful herbicides packed with chemicals. The easiest way to choke out those pesky invaders is to simply grow a healthy enough lawn that it will kill the weeds naturally. Following the steps above and also being sure to mow regularly will keep your lawn healthy enough to keep out any unsightly weeds. If you absolutely must use an herbicide for a weed problem, try for a natural product; it won’t harm your lawn as much as one of the products that have more chemicals in them.
Overall, the most important part of caring for your lawn is being proactive and taking care of it the way it should be. Part of spring fun is getting your lawn back in shape and having a yard to be proud of during all of those upcoming summer barbecues! FBN
Mike Brackin proudly announced HomCo’s name change in February. Now HomCo Lumber & Hardware, Mike Brackin continues to carry on a legacy of expert knowledge, outstanding customer service and ever improving specialized services and departments. HomCo Lumber & Hardware is Northern Arizona’s leading authority on the home improvement industry. From professional contractor sales to retail products and services HomCo Lumber & Hardware has solutions for your home building, remodeling and repair needs. Located at 1763 E. Butler Ave., in Flagstaff. For more information, call 928-779-6111,visit HomCo’s new website at www.MyHomCo.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/MyHomCo.