Whether you have a small green square in your backyard or are sitting on acres of land, taking care of that grass is your responsibility. It doesn’t mean you can’t get help. Here are some common residential lawn care tips to help maintain a vibrant postage stamp-sized yard or sprawling landscape.

What to Know First

No matter the size of your lawn, there are still many benefits to keeping your grass green and lush. A healthy lawn can help prevent pests, weeds, and disease from encroaching on your space. Here are some factors that will inform your maintenance plan:

1. Climate. If you live in an area prone to drought, extreme temperatures, or heavy rain and snow, all of these elements effects what will grow properly in your lawn. It helps to consider the native environment to optimize lawn care routines.
2. Soil. When you test your soil, you get a clearer picture of the current pH level and nutrient content. This helps determine what fertilizers are needed to support strong roots.
3. Grass. There are many types, from cool- to warm-season varieties. Each has different needs and adapts to climates in their own way.

Once you know what your soil needs and what grass type thrives in your climate, you’ll be better equipped to keep your lawn healthy. But there’s still more work to do.

Residential Lawn Care Tips

Armed with knowledge, now it’s time to get to work. Here’s how to help keep your grass healthy throughout the year.

1. Fertilize. Once you know what nutrients your soil needs, you can apply the right fertilizers to encourage new growth. Apply at the appropriate time of the year for best results. This is typically in the spring to jumpstart the growing season or fall to prepare your yard for winter.
2. Aerate. This practice is also done in the fall to reduce compacted soil which often occurs from heavy summer foot traffic. Giving the ground some breathing room helps improve air circulation, nutrient absorption, and water flow to plant roots.
3. Water. Encourage deep root growth by watering deeply and infrequently. Once your soil is aerated, watering is more efficient and drainage improves.
4. Weed. Preventing weeds is easier than removing them. While a healthy lawn is less likely to be taken over by weeds, a few may crop up from time to time. You can apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent new seed germination. Spot-treat any pop-ups to prevent them from spreading more seeds.
5. Mow. Grass goes dormant in the extreme heat and cold, so it typically doesn’t need mowing in the middle of the summer or winter. However, when grass starts growing again, you can help promote healthy growth by keeping it at the optimal height for the grass type. Try not to cut more than a third of the blade at a time, as this can weaken the grass. Also, keep mower blades sharp to ensure a clean and even cut.

Now that you know what to do and how to do it, it may seem like a lot. Not to worry, help is still available. Lawn care companies, like Cardinal Lawns, are experts at determining what different landscapes need and when. We’re well aware of the varieties of grass and how to schedule treatments to keep your yard lush and lively. Contact 614-808-4446 for a consultation to start planning how to properly care for your lawn. Keep your corner of the world the best it can be.

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