Tips to greener grass on your
side of the fence!
There are several important steps to take to make your lawn
lush and healthy.
Start with good soil:
- The soil should have a good texture.
- The soil should have the right pH level (see our bulletin
on Soil Testing below).
- The soil should have the proper mix of nutrients.
Select a grass variety that does well in your climate
but also consider:
- The water and nutrient requirements.
- Resistance to pests.
- Tolerance for sun or shade.
- The amount of traffic the grass will have.
Mow high and often:
- Keep the grass longer. When the grass is longer, there
is greater leaf surface to take in more sunlight. This
helps the grass grow thicker and develop a deeper root
system.
- Longer grass also keeps the soil cooler helping to keep
in moisture and making it more difficult for weeds to
creep in.
- Most turf grasses do well when maintained at 2½ to 3½
inches.
Thirsty lawns are dry and dying lawns:
- Proper watering is the vital to success of any lawn.
We recommend installing a cost- effective irrigation system
to take the guesswork out of the watering process.
- Temperature, time of day, and length of watering are
all important considerations in a proper watering plan.
Carry out a solid maintenance program:
- A solid maintenance program is preventative health care
maintenance for lawns and plants. Organic landscape management
works with nature to combat and prevent weeds, pests,
and disease problems.
Soil-Testing Bulletin: Most lawns require
annual fertilization because they need more nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium. These three elements are the primary ingredients
found in fertilizers, and while lawns need replenishment,
it is important not to over-fertilize.
To absorb nutrients, grass should be slightly acidic with
a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Lime can help "sweeten" overly acidic
soil, while sulfur will help "sour" or add more acid.
Soil tests play an important role in telling us what condition
the soil is in and allows us to make proper soil amendment
decisions to ensure healthy lush grass.
Soil analysis allows us to make appropriate adjustments,
such as adding more organic matter, aerating, or thatching.
We recommend a soil test in the spring to determine the
nutrient needs and the pH levels. These test results will
ensure that we can design and tailor a more comprehensive
lawn-management program.
|