|
5
Steps To A Great Looking Lawn
Thanks
to the recession, more people are foregoing gardeners and
making lawncare a do-it-yourself project. A green and healthy lawn is
not only
a source of pride, but it's also good for the environment, preventing
soil
erosion, providing birds with a tasty feeding ground and helping to
reduce
pollution.
There are five key steps to follow to maintain a happy and healthy
lawn. Your
grass can only be as healthy as the soil it grows in, so developing a
soil
foundation with the right mix of clay, silt and sand is the first lawn
care
step. Soils must be fertilized once a year to add nitrogen, phosphorous
and
potassium to the mix and you can find a good fertilizer at your local
nursery. Be
sure not to over-fertilize as adding too much will through off the Ph
balance
necessary for grass to thrive.
The second step to caring for your lawn is choosing the right grass
type to
suit your climate conditions. Do you live in a drought prone area? Does
your
area enjoy four seasons? Is your property very shady or is the lawn
subjected
to full sun all day long? These factors will influence the type of seed
or sod
that will thrive best in your particular climate.
The third lawn care step is proper mowing technique -- a good rule of
thumb is
to mow the grass often and mow it high - keeping the grass a little
longer,
about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches, actually produces a stronger, healthier
lawn. And
keep your mowing blades sharp and in good condition to prevent tearing
and
injuring the grass blades.
The fourth step to a healthy lawn is watering at the right time and
with the
right amounts. Most people water their lawns too frequently but without
providing enough water. The key is to water slowly and deeply, just
like a slow
rain soaks into the ground. This helps to train the grass roots to
travel
downward. Also, it's best to water early in the morning to prevent
evaporation,
especially during the summer.
The fifth step for lawn care is regular removal of thatch, the dead
plant
material that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil. Rake
over your
lawn on a regular basis to help remove it. Otherwise, thatch
accumulation will
prevent water and nutrients from reaching the grass roots or the soil.
By following these five steps, your lawn will soon be the pride of the
neighborhood.
|
