Spring is a sensitive time for your lawn. During this time of the year, the weather is unpredictable, the soil becomes spongy and the plants are prone to damage. Therefore, special attention needs to be given to your landscape for it to stay green. But, lawn care and maintenance is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Not everyone knows what’s the best time to start seeding, when to water the yard, how to aerate the soil, etc. This means that many lawns will suffer. So, to help homeowners maintain their lawns, we’ve compiled answers to some frequently asked questions about lawn care.
1) What is the best time for mowing the grass?
Ans. Your grass is likely to be wet in the morning due to dew and cutting the grass when it’s wet can rip it thus increasing the chances of lawn diseases. Mowing your lawn at noon isn’t the best idea however as your grass is trying to retain its moisture in the hot atmosphere by photosynthesizing during this time. Cutting it then will stress the grass. The best time is in the evening or late afternoon as this is when the grass will be dry and has an ample amount of time to recover.
Remember to mow your grass frequently during the spring and fall, and to give it a break during the hot summer months.
2) When should I use weed preventers?
Ans. Apply pre-emergent herbicides or weed preventers when forsythia blooms drop. It will control crabgrass and other weeds by preventing germination of their seeds. It’s important to apply the preventers before the weeds start to grow as they’ll be ineffective after the germination. Don’t apply the weed preventer when you’re planting seeds or else it will stop their growth.
3) Is fertilizer important?
Ans. Yes, of course. Fertilizer is like food for your lawn. It provides necessary nutrients to the soil and grass. Your grass needs fertilizers the most when it’s actively growing. It helps in weed resistance, disease protection, root growth, shoot growth, etc. Lawns with warm season grasses should be fertilized during late spring and summer whereas cool season grasses should be fertilized in the late fall.
4) How often should I water my lawn?
Ans. Watering the lawn thoroughly 3 times a week is sufficient to make your grass stronger and more drought-resistant. Leave your lawn sprinkler system on for about 2-3 hours to let the water penetrate into the ground. Frequent irrigation is not required during the early spring. Wait to water the lawn when the weather gets hot and dry.
5) What are the ideal conditions for aerating my lawn?
Ans. Aeration is essential for loosening the soil, reducing soil compaction and enhancing heat and drought stress tolerance. The ideal condition for aerating the lawn is when the soil is moist and grass is growing. Remember to water the lawn before aerating. The best season to maximize aeration is in the spring and fall.
Pay attention to your lawn conditions and use proper irrigation system. Don’t underestimate the importance of fertilizer and soil aeration. Take special care during the spring and make efforts to preserve a healthy and lush green lawn.