Lawn Care: Not for the Faint of Heart

Do you routinely wonder why your neighbor’s lawn looks so nice? If so, read on! It turns out that grass is actually tricky to grow. Too much sun, too little sun, too dry, or too wet - all of these can play havoc with your lawn. A couple of tips may be in order.

First, fertilization is important to create a thick and lovely lawn. Nitrogen gives it a deep green color, while allowing it to become disease and insect-resistant. However, don’t go overboard. As with so many things in life, moderation is key. Otherwise, you may end up burning your lawn. Check with your local lawn and garden store to determine the correct amount. Other chemicals that are also necessary are potassium and phosphorous, which aid in promoting root growth and increasing resistance to various diseases.

If you’re like most people, however, learning about the correct timing for each fertilizer application is probably not going to take top priority on your agenda. A reputable lawn service can ensure that your lawn stays green and healthy year round.

It’s also important to avoid cutting your grass too short. This is true because you risk burning your lawn in the summer. Secondly, shorter grass discourages the photosynthesis process whereby plants transform sunlight into the energy that it uses as food. Lastly, taller grass grows more slowly than shorter grass, and therefore won’t require mowing as often.

Provide enough water to penetrate the roots of the grass. Then let the soil dry out and water once again: 1-2 inches per week should suffice. You can always tell when watering is necessary because grass loses its "spring" when it starts to become dry. If you can see your footprints when you walk across the grass, it's time to get out the hose. If you're selling your home you'll need the curb appeal a manicured lawn can provide.