Preparing Yards for Spring and Summer
Any professional will tell a homeowner that the care a lawn receives in the spring months helps prepare it for summer. By giving lawns much-needed TLC in the spring months, after harsh winters, helps lawns develop a resistance to weeds, pests, heavy foot traffic and sun.
The following simple guides will help homeowners master their lawns, leaving neighbors and friends envious over summertime barbecues.
- Aerate – This is a vital step in helping promote a healthy root system. Aeration is necessary for the grass to breathe, allowing nutrients and water to easily reach the root system efficiently. If a lawn is primarily ryegrass or bluegrass, then this process should be performed in the fall months. If the grasses are a warm-season variety, then aeration in the spring is highly recommended. On average, lawns require aeration every one to three years, but heavy traffic areas may require more frequent aeration.
- Rake – Raking the lawn in the spring to help remove any decaying materials is necessary in order for water to reach the roots. Additionally, any thatch layers that are more than half an inch thick can block valuable, much needed sunlight from penetrating through the layers and nourishing the grass. Yards should be raked in the autumn and again in the spring. This should be done simultaneously with aeration.
- Fertilize– Fertilizing depends upon the type of grasses. Fertilizer should be prioritized to include two annual applications, especially during the lawn’s peak growing season. Fertilizing should be reduced approximately 30 days before peak summer temperatures, in order to maximize the benefits.
- Warm-Season Grasses – These varieties often flourish during summer months and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer is recommended during the spring. Homeowners should also fertilize again in the later summer.
- Cool-Season Grasses – These should be fertilized in the early spring, but require a higher nitrogen concentration for autumn applications.
- Watering – Homeowners need to focus on the yard’s roots. Most grasses require approximately one-inch of water per week, with a main focus during the growing seasons. One single, deep irritation system is preferred, as brief sprinklings simply encourage shallow root penetration. For lawns to survive hot summer months, a solid deep root system is necessary. Homeowners should water lawns in the early morning or late at night.
- Mow– There are several recommendations to help preserve the integrity of a lawn and keep in healthy, especially when mowing.
- Mowing frequently in the spring will help strengthen the grass’ roots, making them hardy.
- Homeowners should never cut more than one-third of the grass’ height during a mowing.
- Raising the mower’s deck and cutting height is recommended for the summer months, as longer grass helps keep in more moisture, which means a green lawn longer.
- Re-Seed – It’s important to reseed any bare patches in the fall months.
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