If you see your neighbor's lawn lusher and greener than yours, it could be because they might be pampering their lawn better than you do yours. It's not too late though! Here are some lawn care tips to enhance the beauty of your lawn.
Moving on, one of the basic lawn care tips you should keep in mind is how to provide the perfect soil for the grass to grow. So what are the necessary steps to take?
Mind the Soil pH
Next set the stage for success by insuring your soil isn't too acidic. Your looking for a soil pH that falls between 6.2 to 7.0 and a soil test is the best way to find out if that's the case. If not, then apply lime to start to move it in that direction.
Also, if you've got it, top dress with any spare compost each year so you are improving soil over time. By the way that's a step toward organic lawn care that is a growing movement in the lawn care field. Mostly out of concern for the environment. But some find it's a better way to keep their lawn looking its best. But I digress.
Summer Lawn Care Advice: Avoid compacting the soil. That means doing things like driving your vehicle on it won't help. Grass roots thrive in loose, rich soil. Not so much when it's all packed in. But weeds do thrive in compacted soil. Yearly aeration will fix any problems you've got with soil compaction.
Mower Selection
Part of lawn care is choosing the right kind of mower for your lawn. Several things should be considered in determining what kind of mower suits your lawn best. How large is your area? Would you need a mulching kit or a bagging system? The mulching attachment is necessary for any lawn because it helps regulate soil temperature. It also helps in weed control.
Riding Mower Tip: Make sure it can discharge the clippings to the side which becomes important when your grass has grown to high to mulch or bag.
Purchasing the right mower is just the tip of the iceberg. The main challenge involves maintaining it to make sure it lasts a good long time. Therefore, you need to check on your mower regularly. Make sure all parts are in excellent condition. Make sure the blade is sharp, the oil is clear and the air filter is free of excess debris. Oh and regular tune ups are a must as well.
Time Your Weed Control
A mistake too many make is to lay on the pre emergent herbicides too soon each spring. By doing so it may have washed away in the April showers or lost some of it's potency about time crabgrass is set to germinate.
Weed Control Tip: Don't use a product that mixes herbicides with fertilizing.
Mow Right
Believe it or not most mow their grass wrong. They cut off too much or cut the blade too short leaving less leaf surface to sustain the plants. If you do this often enough the roots will be tapped for nutrients to maintain growth which isn't good for the long term healthy of the lawn.
Here's a video that shares a couple of good tips. Especially when it comes to how NOT to use a string trimmer.
Safe Operation
Now the thing about mowers doesn't end here since you also have to make sure you operate your mower properly. This way, you get the most out of your mower and you avoid accidents too. Safety guidelines should therefore be observed at all times when using a mower.
Check for debris like twigs or fallen tree branches, toys or yard tools.
Keep your pets away from the area being mowed.
Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. And don't forget to protect your ears.
Taking steps like this can help you maintain your lawn and keep it looking as green and healthy as possible. That way the grass won't always be greener on the other side of the fence.