The classic vision of an American home always has a gorgeous lawn out front and a lawn is definitely not something that comes naturally. Lawns require regular upkeep that takes place throughout the season. There are specific jobs that need to be done for your lawn each season. Here are some lawn care dos and don’ts for homes in the Brownstown Charter Township, MI, area.
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Don’t Neglect the Soil
During the late winter and early spring, one step commonly skipped by homeowners is testing the soil. Soil testing is essential for finding out if the soil contains enough nutrients and has the right pH balance for certain grasses. Fertilizers are very different for this reason. If fertilization begins without testing the soil first, it may harm the grass and actually promote growth of noxious weeds instead.
Do Aerate
Any soil that is compacted with foot traffic, or soil that has been baked dry by the sun, will prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Aeration loosens the soil and can rejuvenate a struggling lawn.
Do Fertilize Appropriately
Again, fertilizing strategies should not be cookie-cutter but rather tailored to your lawn’s unique needs. The only way to determine whether you’re using the right fertilizer is to test the soil.
Don’t Mow Too Short
Spring brings an explosion of growth. Mowing too short seems like it might help reduce how many times you need to mow but, in fact, it will end up stunting growth or damaging the grass. It increases sun exposure on the soil which will cause increased evaporation and, in turn, fewer nutrients and less water for your grass. It also reduces surface area on the blades of grass which doesn’t bring in as much sunlight for photosynthesis, further stunting growth.
Don’t Mow Too High
Don’t overcompensate either. Mowing too high hinders evaporation. When the soil holds too much water which could lead to rot and disease, which will certainly destroy that section of the lawn by autumn.
Do Sharpen Your Mower Blades
Nobody wants to spend time sharpening mower blades, but it’s a necessary part of lawn care. Dull mower blades will brutally rip and tear the grass instead of cleanly shearing it. This will damage the cell structure of the plant and cause the tips to dry out and turn brown, creating that unhealthy look on the surface of the lawn. Professionals will always use routinely sharpened blades.
Do Clean Up After Mowing
Leaving piles of grass on your lawn after you mow can harm the grass. The wet and dead clumps of grass will quickly begin to rot in the summer sun and prevent sunlight and water from reaching the living grass. Either mulch the clippings to return nutrients to the soil or remove them.
Don’t Water Frequently and Lightly
Deep, infrequent watering encourages robust root growth. Watering infrequently but lightly makes for shallow root systems that are then vulnerable to summer heat and drought.
The best option could be to hire a lawn care professional that will take the weight off your shoulders and ensure that your lawn receives expert care year-round. Lawn care professionals deliver expertise and take the necessary steps to ensure a healthy lawn. A professional assessment of your lawn, indicating which spots need extra care and what kind of schedule is necessary through the year, is the first step to a thriving lawn.
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