|
Home / Home
Lawn Tips for Easier Maintenance and Greener Grass
By:Warren Wong
I grew up in the suburbs -- where people take pride in their lawns. Such pride, that I once witnessed a fist-fight between neighbors that started over a lawn related issue (or maybe it was just an ego issue).
My parents loved their lawn. When I think about it, I imagine that they just loved grass. My parents watched golf on television only to comment and critic on the condition of the course's greens. I'm serious -- and I'm not over-stating when I claim my family had the nicest yard and lawn in our sub-division.
The thing that sticks out in my head about my parent's lawn care is how much simpler than it was in comparison to our neighbors. Many folks had expensive automatic sprinkler systems. My parents watered the yard with a $10 sprinkler or simply with the hose. The fact is, that simple is often better when it comes to lawn care. Check out my easy to follow tips which will keep your lawn happy and green:
Don't Over-Water / Use a Rain Gauge - Over-watering is one of the most common lawn problems. Too much water causes much more damage than under-watering does -- this is because most varieties of turf handle short droughts fine, but can be wrecked with flooding. Brown patches (commonly a fungal infection) on the lawn can often be attributed over-watering.
Most grass requires about 1 - 1.5 inches of water per week to optimally provide moisture for healthy lawns. Use a rain gauge (available at gardening centers) to keep tabs on how much rain your lawn is getting and supplement weekly with your sprinkler.
Mowing Tips
The height at which you cut your lawn is important. In the summer a 3-4 inch height is best, and in the spring/fall opt for a 2- 3 inch height. The last mow of the season should be around 1.5 inches.
The condition of your lawn mower is also very important. A dull blade rips grass and leaves it more vulnerable to pests and disease. You can check to see if your mowers blade needs sharpening by observing grass it has cut. If the grass appears torn or ripped, then it is time to get your blade sharpened. Most consumer lawn-mowers should get their blades sharpened twice a year.
Change the mowing direction of the cut each time to keep coarse grasses under control and ensure an even surface.
Additionally, leaving the clippings on your lawn after a mow. The clipping decompose and provide excellent and needed nutrients to the soil. By doing this you do not need to use as much fertilizer on your lawn.
Fertilizing
Over-feeding is another common problem for lawns. Your lawn most likely requires only 4 feedings a year: Spring, Summer, Early Fall, and after First Frost. The fall feeding is vital -- but if you are in drought conditions you may want to skip the summer feeding.
Read the label completely and follow the directions exactly when using store-bought fertilizer. You'll get the best results by following the label -- remember more is not better.
Use half of the fertilizer in one direction of your lawn (like right-left) and the other half in the other direction (up-down), to avoid streaking and spots.
Other Maintenance
Aerate lawns once a year, optimally in the fall with soil temperature around 60F. This will help prevent thatch and increase the amount of nutrients getting to the soil. High-traffic areas become compacted over time and aeration is especially important for these spots.
There you have my basic tips to keep a healthy enough lawn to make you want to defend it with your fists. Congrats.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: lawn, mow, weeds, weed, grass, yard, landscape, mower
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
At HobbyLawnCare.com, Lawn Care and weed control is our passion. Check out our tips and tricks today!
|
|
| Top Home Articles |
- 1). Science of Vaasthu By : Sarathy sadagopan
The surface of the earth as per the Traditional cosmology was divided into 2 parts the east and the west on the basis of sunrise and sunset and into North and south on the basis of the magnetic poles.
|
|
|
- 3). Pool Table Lights Can Really Make a Game Room By : Julien Raynal
A pool table is an integral part of a game room. Be it a garage, separate game room, basement or a club with gaming rooms, pool tables have become a common feature as more and more people are taking an interest in this simple and interesting game.
|
|
|
- 5). Childrens Swing Sets For Home - A Safer Alternative To The Park By : Susan Dean
Childrens swing sets that are erected in your own back yard are not only a fun way to keep your kids happy but you will be much more relaxed knowing that they are having fun in a safe environment. Most people would agree that it is so much more healthier for children to be playing outside in the fresh air instead of sitting for hours in front of a computer or television.
|
|
|
- 7). How to Find the Right Aromatherapy Candle Scent By : Tatyana Turner
Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as simple as an aromatherapy candle could help you relax and feel happier. But not all scented candles have this effect. Let’s find out how to select an aromatherapy candle that can lift your mood.
|
- 8). Furnishing a Spare Room By : Julien Raynal
You have an extra room in your house and you’d like it to utilize the space for multiple purposes; a spare bedroom, an office, retreat and occasionally playroom.
|
- 9). What can an Armoire be Used For? By : Julien Raynal
Families who live in homes accumulate many things over the years. It might be clothes that we keep buying, as we procrastinate over discarding old ones, gifts, items for kids that they have outgrown long ago, papers, documents and a lot of obsolete items.
|
- 10). A Quick Overview of Residential Lighting By : Julien Raynal
Lighting is an important element of a home as it not only illuminates the house but also brings changes in the one’s mood. Home interior lighting involves selecting and fitting light fixtures depending on the utility purpose of the room, cost, power consumption and many other factors.
|
| New Home Articles |
- 1). Tips on Cleaning Paint Brushes By : Mitch Johnson
Sometimes paint brushes can be hard and cannot be used after once or twice using. There are some tips on cleaning the paint brushes, so they are ready whenever you use them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 5). Home Air Filters - The Many Advantages Of Installing One By : Brooke Hayles
Asthma and allergies are extremely common in households across America and over twenty million people suffer from asthma each year. Surprisingly, there are more allergens and contaminants within our homes than there are outside. That is why home air filters can come in handy!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 9). Get the Most from Your Fireplace Insert By : Jerry Cahill
Inserts are usually made from cast iron or plate steel. Generall they have glass doors so you can see the flames. An insert either fits in the opening of the fireplace or protrudes onto the hearth. An insert that protrudes onto the hearth is more efficient because the sides, top, and bottom provide additional radiant heat.
|
- 10). 4 Floor Plan Mistakes By : John Morris
Most practicing doctors and other professionals take matters of renovating, rebuilding and redecorating their offices and clinics into their own hands. They do not consult architects, engineers and other building contractors while doing their offices...
|
|
|
