Watering
Of the four key categories in lawn care, watering is the most important step. It is particularly important on a new lawn. If a lawn is not properly watered, the sod or seed will not take to the surrounding soil. Once the seed has been laid, or the sod has been placed, it is imperative to water three times a day between 5 and 15 minutes. The best times to water are the morning, early afternoon and early evening. Several automatic watering systems also exist on the market. Continue watering until the grass is about three inches tall.
Of the four key categories in lawn care, watering is the most important step. It is particularly important on a new lawn. If a lawn is not properly watered, the sod or seed will not take to the surrounding soil. Once the seed has been laid, or the sod has been placed, it is imperative to water three times a day between 5 and 15 minutes. The best times to water are the morning, early afternoon and early evening. Several automatic watering systems also exist on the market. Continue watering until the grass is about three inches tall.
If your lawn is already established, the goal is to soak the lawn to about six inches deep. It is necessary to water one to three times per week, depending upon rainfall. Watering a lawn just before it is mowed is not recommended, as the clippings tend to clump, and the mower can leave tire ruts in the grass.
Mowing
When mowing, the blades should be very sharp and the mower's deck should be set to about three inches. This is the ideal stimulation height for the grass. The height of the grass is very important, because it is directly related to the depth of the roots. The higher the grass, the deeper the roots, which allows your lawn to receive more nutrients. And, of course, the more nutrients received, the healthier the lawn. It is also recommended that the grass trimmings are left in the yard, as each blade of grass will decompose and provide vital nutrients.
When mowing, the blades should be very sharp and the mower's deck should be set to about three inches. This is the ideal stimulation height for the grass. The height of the grass is very important, because it is directly related to the depth of the roots. The higher the grass, the deeper the roots, which allows your lawn to receive more nutrients. And, of course, the more nutrients received, the healthier the lawn. It is also recommended that the grass trimmings are left in the yard, as each blade of grass will decompose and provide vital nutrients.
Fertilizing
Your lawn requires nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, which are all found in most fertilizers. Each of these three nutrients serves its own purpose. Grass in the mid-summer months require more nutrients than those in the fall or spring.
Your lawn requires nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, which are all found in most fertilizers. Each of these three nutrients serves its own purpose. Grass in the mid-summer months require more nutrients than those in the fall or spring.
Though every lawn is completely different, a general rule of thumb is one pound of nitrogen, phosphate and potash per thousand square feet. Follow this up with two applications of nitrogen only, and a fall application of potash, which will winterize your lawn. This is just a basic plan. A customized plan specific to your lawn will provide the best results. NatureCuts specializes in this area, and uses the highest quality fertilizers on the market. Contact your local NatureCuts representative to get a personalized strategy for fertilizing your lawn.
Weed control
Weed and feeds are your best bet for a basic weed control program. These are pre-packaged systems that provide both weed and fertilizer to your lawn simultaneously. For more advanced weed control, there are two types of products pre-emergent (controls weeds before they germinate and surface) and post emergent (controls existing weeds). Many homeowners can become frustrated because they use the wrong weed controller in their yards. Make sure to use the right weed control product for the right weeds.
Weed and feeds are your best bet for a basic weed control program. These are pre-packaged systems that provide both weed and fertilizer to your lawn simultaneously. For more advanced weed control, there are two types of products pre-emergent (controls weeds before they germinate and surface) and post emergent (controls existing weeds). Many homeowners can become frustrated because they use the wrong weed controller in their yards. Make sure to use the right weed control product for the right weeds.