Taking Care of Your Lawn
Being a homeowner is the dream and goal of millions of Americans. A place to raise a family, to relax and enjoy friends, to pursue hobbies, to be as creative as you want—these are some of the joys a home offers. But owning your own home comes with serious responsibilities. There are taxes to pay, insurance to purchase, constant upkeep and repair costs. The list goes on in a never-ending stream of demands that all home owners face.
It is tempting to focus on your literal home and its contents. However the outside of your home--such as your yard and landscaping, is equally important and demanding. Of all outdoor projects, taking care of your lawn may be the most arduous. Your lawn is the largest plant in your yard, consuming the most water and requiring the most care. There are several important practices to follow that will keep your lawn green, healthy, and beautiful. After all, your home is your greatest investment. But the first impression enjoyed by your guests is your lawn.
First, know what kind of grass you have. St. Augustine, bahiagrass, Bermuda, and zoysia are some popular grass types. But each requires different care techniques. The frequency with which you mow, water, and fertilize will largely be determined by your grass type. If you don’t know what your sod is you cannot care for it correctly.
Second, fertilize your grass according to its needs. There are dozens of fertilizers available for your lawn. But fertilizers contain different degrees of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. By studying your lawn you can easily determine what is lacking. If your grass has areas of yellow, choose a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. Nitrogen also promotes rapid growth, and greens up your grass. If your grass blades appear unhealthy select a fertilizer with a high phosphorous content. This encourages deep root growth. Potassium keeps your grass healthy and better able to withstand drought and disease. Some fertilizers contain herbicides or pesticides. Use these if your lawn has excessive weeds, or if you suspect insect infestation.
Third, water your lawn intelligently. Grass can be “trained” to thrive on less frequent watering. For instance, rather than watering a small amount each day, water deeply twice a week. In this way the water is sure to penetrate the surface of your sod and reach the roots. Never water during the heat of the day. More water is lost to evaporation at this time. Instead water in the early evening or in the morning before the sun rises. Make frequent checks to your irrigation system, repairing any clogged or broken heads immediately. Look for areas of excessive wetness which may indicate a break in the pipe. Minimize water usage by selecting the correct sprinkler heads for specific areas. Pop up sprinklers are available in spraying patters of 360, 180, 90 and 45 degrees. Rotary heads can be adjusted to cover most any large area.
Finally, mow your lawn with care. Refrain from cutting your grass too short. Four inches is a good height for summer growth. When grass is excessively short your lawn is more susceptible to the negative effects of drought and disease. Taller grass shades the roots, preventing too much loss of moisture. Mow your grass on a weekly basis, altering the cutting pattern to avoid leaving unsightly tire tracks. It’s a good idea to allow the grass clippings to fall back into the lawn rather than bagging them. The clippings contain many valuable nutrients which will eventually return to your lawn.
Caring for and nurturing your lawn is an ongoing project. However, when done properly you’re rewarded with a lawn that is healthy, strong, and verdant. It is a lawn that you will take pride in, creating every opportunity to entertain guests outdoors, enjoy the barbeque and pool, and offer the children a beautiful lush carpet upon which they can romp and play. No matter what’s going on inside your home—new wallpaper, a fresh coat of paint in the bedroom, redoing a basement—you’ll always have the beauty of your lawn to gaze upon, relax you, and to caress your weary feet.
