I know people say that the grass is always greener on the other side, but that’s not what you should be thinking when you look at your lawn. Your lawn should be the lawn that inspires that kind of envy in the neighborhood – and it can be. Part of the point of having a lawn is that you want it to look nice – and what could be nicer than a lush, healthy lawn that looks like something that should be found at the end of the rainbow complete with a pot o’ gold?
If you’re wondering how to get your lawn to sparkle like the emerald isles, then you need a plan. Don’t get green around the gills, because it’s not nearly as tough as you think. Here are some tips to help you get the greenest grass this side of the Atlantic!
Choose the Right Seed
If you need to fill in bald patches, repair your lawn, or reseed it this year, then you need to make sure you choose the right kind of seed. Some varieties of grass are for shady areas, others for full sun. Some will do better in cooler climates, while others do best in warmer climates. It’s all about doing your research and making sure you get the right grass seed to start.
What’s the Height of Your Mower Blade?
If you want healthy blades of grass, then you can’t set your mower blade too low. Many people want to mow their lawns as low as they can so they have to mow less, but the truth of the matter is that by trying to cut corners, you’re only cutting your grass way too low for it to be healthy. The experts at Lawn Love think the best approach is to cut your lawn more frequently and leave it long.
The ideal setting for your mower blade will leave your grass at least 3 inches tall, and you should never cut off more than one-third of the height of the grass blade at once. If you can abide by these simple rules, then you will ensure deep root growth and make your lawn more resistant to drought, disease, pests, and weeds in the long run. Ergo, a gorgeous green lawn!
Fertilize – But First Test Your Soil!
You need to get your buns down to the nearest garden or hardware store to procure a soil test kit. These kits will measure the pH level of the soil as well as the phosphorus and nitrogen levels. If your soil is lacking in a crucial element, then it’ll never be as green as you desire it to be.
Once you test the soil, you can then determine the kind of nutrients that should be added to the soil to balance it out. Fertilizers are great for this because they offer a slow release of nutrients over time, continuously feeding your grass and helping to improve the look of your lawn. Once you know what’s missing, you can find the exact fertilizer you need to fix the problem.
Water Around the Same Time Daily
You need to water your lawn consistently in order to encourage green growth. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning since it’s less likely to be so hot that the water evaporates, plus the wind is usually lower that time of day. If you water when it’s windy out, then the grass can dry out before the water has a chance to soak into the soil.
You want to water your lawn enough for the water to penetrate the soil about six inches in, and it should be done on a regular basis – especially during the hottest months of the year. The rule of thumb is about one inch of water per week, more if you have put down new seed.
Aerate
If you’ve never aerated your lawn and you want green grass, then it’s time to start. Aerating in the spring and the fall can help air, nutrients, and water access the root system, helping to strengthen it and improve the look of your lawn.
See? Achieving a green lawn isn’t as tough as you think! Following these steps will make it a reality in no time – your only concern at this point is how to keep those leprechauns at bay!
