While some stick to a strict schedule when it comes to lawn care, we’d rather think of it as a continuous process that requires constant attention to detail. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to offer informative guidelines that will help you assess the health of your lawn, and teach you how to improve it during the summer months.
Weed Control
As with anything related to gardening and landscaping, weed control is an ongoing process. Some weeds are more difficult to eradicate than others; broadleaf weeds, for example, are incredibly stubborn and aggressive. Common examples include chickweed, dandelions, and plantain, to name a few. You can remove them by hand sprays, but there is a good chance these weeds will keep coming back.
The most effective defense against aggressive weeds is to ensure a properly maintained, healthy lawn. A thick lawn will fight for itself, choking out irritating weeds and taking up space with its healthy root system, thereby denying weeds room to establish.
Preventative measures can be taken, such as applying pre-emergent herbicides early in spring. Warm-weather annual grasses like crabgrass emerge as early as May, so apply your herbicide in mid-April for more effective results. It’s important to remember that pre-emergent herbicide does not kill existing weeds—if you see already established weeds, pull them immediately.
Fertilizer
We can’t subsist on water alone, and neither can your grass. Over time, the nutrients in your lawn deplete, making fertilizing a paramount step in your care routine. You should be applying fertilizer four times a year to assist your lawn’s growth rates and help it recover from any harsh weather patterns.
At Meyer Landscape & Design, our fertilizer of choice is BioFlora Organics. This fertilizer is environmentally friendly, contains organic materials, and goes beyond simply promoting faster growth. It helps correct soil issues and diseases too, while actively replenishing those depleted nutrients.
How to Water Your Lawn
There are many different ways to water your lawn, but having a reliable irrigation system will give you the best results and eliminate any human error. Proper watering needs to be done regularly and deeply so that the grass roots are adequately saturated.
If you’re ever unsure if your lawn needs to be watered, paying close attention to the look and feel of your grass will give you a clear indication. If the grass looks lackluster and doesn’t immediately spring back up when you walk on it, it needs water. Make a habit of watering in the morning before the heat of the day strikes; otherwise, the water may evaporate before it’s able to soak deeply enough into the soil.
The Right Way to Mow
There’s more to mowing your grass than simply firing up your mower and achieving straight cuts. Summer grass should be allowed to grow high so that the roots remain strong and your lawn looks lush and thick. Mow at a high setting so that you’re only removing 1/3 of the grass length at a time. If you mow your grass too short, then you might shock it, which will cause it to put more energy into regrowing instead of maintaining a sturdy root system.
Only mow dry grass. Mowing wet grass can clog your mower and leave clumps of grass on your lawn, which may damage the grass beneath and leave unsightly brown spots if not raked up. Also, be sure to mow in all directions. If you follow a pattern, your grass will eventually start to lean in the direction it’s being mowed and could cause ruts in your lawn. Varying your mow pattern results in grass that stays straight and tall, contributing to that coveted, full look of a healthy lawn.
For more information about proper summer lawn care or to pick up essentials such as some BioFlora Organics fertilizer, stop in and visit Meyer Landscape & Design in Moline, Illinois. Our knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to assist you with all your lawn care needs!
