Skokie lawn care services
Chicago has a continental climate, which means winters are cold, and summers are warm and humid. Also, there are frequent fluctuations in temperature, wind direction, humidity, and cloudiness. Some people consider the temperature of spring and fall to be the most pleasant. The months of January and February are the driest while July and August are the wettest. The experts at Lawn love Chicago lawn care advice that you plant your grass at this period.
There are different kinds of grass you can grow on your lawn, but before deciding on which one to plant, understand that timing is very important, your grass grows earlier and faster when you plant in the right period. For instance, If you plant cool-season grasses during the warm season, they most likely won't grow at their best. That's because cool-season grasses grow best in cool temperatures. Also, warm-season grasses grow best in warm climates so, if you plant them during the cool season, you are just doing the right thing at the wrong time.
The point is that you can plant, whether cool or warm-season grass, but prioritize planting whichever one you choose at their period of massive growth; as it will help them to germinate and establish quickly. During fall, the soil is still warm, which makes this period the best time to plant cool-season grasses. Fall is characterized by much precipitation, which will prevent cool-season grass from drying off, and you won't have to perform more maintenance practices such as watering.
Also, planting warm-season grass in the late spring allows them to enjoy warm soil and early rain, maintaining soil moisture for germination and comfortable establishment. Watch your timing before you plant any grass. In case you can't make this decision on your own, contact the team of Chicago lawn care specialists for advice and help. With our service, you are sure to have a beautiful green lawn year-round.
Now that you have known all the factors to consider, it's time to plant and set up your Lawn. Which grass is the best?. Below is the possible lawn grass you can plant in Chicago.
Kentucky bluegrass
This is one of the most popular grass in Chicago because of its beautiful appearance and durability. Kentucky grass prefers full sunlight but can also survive in shades. It recovers excellently from wear and injuries and tolerates high traffic well. However, Kentucky bluegrass grows slowly, and it is not easy to establish. It also requires high maintenance, such as constant watering and mowing.
Tall fescue
This is a deep root grass that tolerates drought well. It is very flexible to grow in any soil, including soil with low PH and low quality. It is pest and disease resistant, and it grows very fast as it is easy to establish. Tall fescue manages high foot traffic effortlessly.
Fine fescue
If you are a very busy person who has little or no time to look after your lawn, fine fescue should be your choice. It requires low maintenance practices, and it tolerates high foot traffic. It can grow well in soil with low PH and quality. Furthermore, it grows well in the shade and good draining soil. Apply little or no fertilizer as too much fertilizer affects its growth.
Perennial ryegrass
Homeowners choose perennial ryegrass because of its fast growth rate, it is easy to establish, and it does well when mixed with other grass such as Kentucky grass. It tolerates foot traffic and recovers well from wear and injury. However, it requires high maintenance; you have to mow, water, and fertilize it frequently.
Planting a series of grass on a single lawn is very popular in Chicago as this controls the emergence of disease and pests. The disease that affects a particular grass won't affect other grasses, thereby ensuring a green lawn year-round. The professionals working with Lawn love Chicago, advise that you mix Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue but make sure that Kentucky is bigger.
Chicago fall lawn care tips
As winter draws near, you must practice proper lawn care in the fall to get your lawn prepared for the long cold winter. Specialists at lawn love will give you a list of tips that will help you maintain a green lawn throughout the year in Chicago;
Eradicate every weed
Use the time in the fall to get rid of every weed on your Lawn. Some weeds are invasive and problematic to get rid of, so start the weeding process earlier to kill them all on time.
Aerate your lawn
The best period to aerate your Lawn is in the fall. It gives the soil the chance to absorb nutrients with ease, and also your Lawn will retain these nutrients throughout the winter. Aeration enables water, air, and other nutrients to penetrate the soil.
Mow your lawn less frequently
In this period, grass grows slower, so it is advisable that mow less often. Also, reduce the blade height of your mower to moderate a right lawn height.
Over-seed
Over-seeding ensures a green lush lawn year-round. Some grasses begin to fade in appearance with time and are deficient in growth and durability, thereby causing the emergence of weeds. Over-seeding will ensure that new grass starts to grow while the old ones die.
Fertilize
The best time to fertilize your lawn is in fall as this period enables it to survive the long winter. Apply a little amount of special fertilizer rich in potassium, which prevents grass from drying off and promotes healthy growth. Also, apply a fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen. Generally, fertilizers improve soil quality and ensure rapid growth.
Remove leaves from your lawn
When leaves decompose, it pulls moisture away from your Lawn and exposes your Lawn to diseases and pests. So, make sure you rake your Lawn to remove all the leaves before it decays.
