
One of the best things about spring is enjoying the warmth of the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning a picnic or barbecue, having a healthy, green lawn is important for any outdoor entertainment.
Here are some tips to ensure that your green lawn is in tip-top condition all season long.
1. Fertilize
Choosing the right fertilizer is an important part of growing a healthy lawn. There are many options to choose from including fast-release, granular, liquid, organic, slow-release and synthetic. No matter what method you choose it’s important not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can be bad for the environment.
2. Water
With the heat of spring, our lawns could do with an extra dose of water. However, many of us overestimate how thirsty our lawns actually are. Experts suggest watering your lawn with ½-inch of water twice a week. This will ensure you’re your lawn develops “long, strong roots.” To help conserve water, and still maintain a beautiful lawn, consider rain barrels or greywater system that filters some wastewater into water that can be used on landscaping.
3. Cut
To make sure that your lawn is at its best you’ll need to give it a proper trim. Mowing your lawn frequently (once a week or more) encourages the grass to grow thicker with fewer weeds. It’s also said that you shouldn’t cut more than one-third in length off the top of your lawn at a time. You can also collect the clipping to make mulch for your lawn.
4. Control pests
Unwanted critters can damper any outdoor activity. To get rid of pesky bugs you can use certain pesticides or opt for greener methods like natural traps. For a weed-free lawn, you can use herbicide or eco-friendly options like salt, cornmeal, vinegar, or newspaper. These natural weed killing options are cost efficient, but if used incorrectly, they can also affect your lawn. So, beware.
5. Aerate
If your lawn is brown, has compact soil and water doesn’t seem to penetrate the surface then you may need to aerate your lawn. The aeration process begins when you cover the affected area with one inch of water. The next day properly use a manual or mechanical aeration tool to pull out soil cores from the ground. You can find more information here.