Have you ever walked through your neighborhood and wondered how some homeowners can have such a perfect lawn year after year? Having a beautiful lawn can enhance the looks of your home and your property value. But if you’re struggling with your own yard, don’t worry. Use these to have the nicest lawn on the block.
Starting a new lawn
If you’re starting a new lawn, the first thing you’ll want to decide is whether to use sod or seed. The main advantage of using sod is that it’s quicker. However, it’s also more expensive to start a lawn with sod rather than grass seed.
The advantage of using grass seed is that it’s cost-effective, grows a healthier lawn, and is more sustainable with deeper roots. Just be sure to get quality grass seed from specialty providers like this to ensure you’re working with top-notch seeds.
Different grass seeds
Choosing the right grass seed will depend on your location and climate. To start, look at a grass seed map to find out which seeds are best for your area.
Some of the popular grass seeds you can choose from include:
- Kentucky bluegrass – grows a lush green lawn and is durable through most conditions
- Fescue grass – a drought-tolerant grass that does well in sun or shade and doesn’t need much water or maintenance
- Perennial ryegrass – a fast-germinating grass seed, but not very tolerant to cold weather
- Bermuda grass – great for hot dry areas and stays green in hot weather
- Zoysia grass – a warm-weather grass that’s considered a perfect alternative to Bermuda grass
You can choose from one type of grass seed or mix two different types depending on your needs.
If you already have an established lawn but want to make it thicker, you can overseed your lawn with grass seed. This will thicken up your existing lawn and fill in any thin areas.
Fertilizing the lawn
For the perfect lawn, you should fertilize four times per year. Mid to late April is the best time for the first feeding, or whenever the soil temperature gets to about 55° F.
You should fertilize again four weeks later and then fertilize every six to eight weeks into mid-October. Fertilizing in the fall is important to keep the roots healthy through the fall and winter.
Fertilizer
There are several types of fertilizers to choose from. The two main types are regular fertilizer or weed and feed.
If you decide to use weed and feed, make sure you pick a day when there’s no rain in the forecast. Usually, you won’t water the lawn for 24 hours after using weed and feed. Always read the instructions and be sure you keep weed and feed fertilizer away from flowers and your garden area.
You can also choose between chemical and organic fertilizer. They each have their advantages and disadvantages. Chemical fertilizers will get into the lawn quicker, while organic fertilizer is more of a slow-release fertilizer. You can burn the lawn if you use too much chemical fertilizer, whereas it’s harder to burn the lawn with organic.
When you’re ready to fertilize, it’s best to dampen the lawn down first and then fertilize. Use granular fertilizer and spread it with a spreader. That will ensure an even feeding of the lawn. If you use regular fertilizer, water it after you fertilize.
Mowing
The blades of the lawnmower need to be sharp for every mowing. Dull blades will tear the grass instead of cutting the grass blades. This will give the lawn a dull look. Dull mower blades can also make it easier for bugs and lawn disease to enter the blades of grass.
You don’t want to cut the grass too short or it will dry out quicker in the hot sun. For example, Kentucky bluegrass should be kept at about two inches high. Try not to cut off more than one-third of the grass blades with each mowing.
Watering
It’s best if you water deeply two to three times per week instead of a quick watering every day. On average, a lawn needs one inch to 1.5” of water per week. It’s best to water early in the morning. Watering late at night can promote lawn fungus diseases.
Buy a cheap rain gauge and measure each zone after watering to make sure the lawn is getting enough water. If you can see footprints after walking across your lawn after a half-hour, it’s time to water.
These tips can help you improve your landscaping skills and find the secret to the perfect lawn.