Washington, DC is famous for a lot of things, but mostly for memorials and museums. Of course, the government headquarters is here as well, which makes the city important. It is also one of the most informative destinations in the whole country. At the same time, Washington is a fun city, whether you are looking for different types of entertainment or a relaxing place where you can just relax.
There are numerous attractions in Washington, including historic sites, museums, and events. The good news here is that the city is affordable for visitors since most of the popular attractions offer free admission. The National Gallery of Art, the US Capitol Building, and the White House all have public tours.
The White House and Its Well-Maintained Grounds
Aside from the fact that the White House is one of the most important buildings in the entire world, one of the reasons why it is the subject of many conversations is its immaculate lawn. It has become an attraction for tourists in the city, and the green grounds have always received praises.
The White House has two main areas, which are the North Lawn and the South Lawn. The former is in front of Pennsylvania Avenue, which is the address of the building. As a result, the South Lawn is usually considered the back portion of the White House because it is facing the other side.
The North Lawn is where the heads of the state enter before they move to attend the state dinner. If you join a public tour, you will start on East Executive Drive and will leave through the North Portico. Meanwhile, visitors will generally depart from the northeast gate.
The South Lawn, on the other hand, is for official events, including the State Arrival Ceremony. Informal gatherings are also held here, such as staff barbecues and the Egg Rolling Contest, which takes place annually.
Aside from the significant events celebrated in the White House and its surroundings, one of the things that catch people's attention is the perfect lawn. Despite the heavy foot traffic in the area, it still looks green and healthy. The grass used in both the North and South is a variety called tall fescue. In October 2008, the superintendent of the White House grounds, Dale Haney, was asked how they were able to maintain the lawn despite having plenty of individuals walking around the yard.
According to Haney, the lawn would undergo a major renovation every year. It takes place during the fall season, and some of the methods used are aerification and thatching. Keeping the lawn healthy also requires regular seeding and fertilizer application. If there are significant events, such as the Egg Rolling Contest, the garden will undergo aerification after to treat soil compaction.
Tall Fescue Grass at a Glance
Out of all the options for grass species, the White House chose tall fescue. It is one of the types that adapt well to different climates, including Washington's with chilly winters that have a bit of snow and summers are humid and hot. Tall fescue can tolerate heat, drought, cold, and shade. When grown in its preferred conditions, the grass can be durable and resilient against various diseases and other problems.
Tall fescue is indeed a versatile type of grass. It is one of the cold season species, but it can tolerate heat better than other greens in the same category. However, it may not be as great at repairing itself, although it can resist certain pests. The grass grows well during fall and spring months or cold seasons. It germinates quickly and even beats the Kentucky bluegrass. It has naturally long roots that can reach up to three feet deep, which is much deeper than most other cold season grasses. This depth contributes to the ability of the plant to tolerate heat and drought.
Caring for Your Yard in Washington, DC
The first step toward lawn care in the city is to start with a suitable type of grass. You can choose tall fescue as well, but there are other species that you can try, such as:
Kentucky bluegrass: A favorite grass type in Washington and several other areas in America, this species can make your yard look great. However, it requires meticulous work, including proper fertilization. It is also susceptible to turf diseases, such as red thread, rust, and dollar spot.
Ryegrass: Opt for the perennial ryegrass, which can resist gray leaf spot disease. This type germinates fast and can tolerate wear so that you can place it in high trafficked areas.
Fine leaf fescue: Just like its tall counterpart, fine leaf adapts well, which is why it is also a popular choice in Washington. However, it is not as utilized as tall fescue. It does not require a lot of maintenance and can even tolerate diseases and heat.
We recommend that you opt for cool season grasses, like the fescue varieties. Once you have chosen the grass type, we suggest that you plant it in the fall or spring. It is also better if you perform major lawn tasks during those times when the grass would be at their peak growth period.
Most grasses do not need dethatching, especially tall fescues with bunch-forming growth. However, this grass type will surely benefit from regular overseeding, which can help keep the density in high proportions. Plus, this method can stop the grass from having a clumpy appearance.
If the plant has deep roots, it will use the soil's nutrients, which will benefit it. You can supplement with wise water management so the roots will grow better. Water deeply and make sure that you hydrate the grass. However, water infrequently except during the summer when you may need to water more for it to stay green and robust.
Yard care does not just apply to those with a grassy lawn. If you want to make sure that your yard will look beautiful and healthy, you should hire Lawn Love to tend to your property.
