Lawns

Fertilizing: Begin by having the soil tested for nutrients and acidity, then select organic fertilizers to correct any imbalances. If you want to keep your lawn lush and green, you should fertilize it. Grass needs nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, which can be found in all retail fertilizers. Lime, or calcium oxide, is not a fertilizer, but a neutralizer, to reduce acidity in the soil. Lime is usually applied before a rainfall, very early in the spring, as it takes several weeks to take effect.

Be sure to check the amount of nitrogen in your fertilizer as it promotes growth and greenness, but too much can make your lawn susceptible to disease and insects. Spread fertilizer after the first spring mowing. Follow the manufacturers instructions to determine how much fertilizer to apply.

Cut no more than 1/3 (this can be 1/2 to 2/3 for the first cut of spring) off the grass blade height at any one time and allow the clippings remain on the soil. In a few days, they'll be absorbed into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.

 

Fertilizer Facts:

When properly fertilized, your lawn will grow thick and green. Without regular fertilizer, a lawn may become thin and susceptible to weeds, diseases, and insects. Use caution though, as an over fertilized lawn can burn the root system or grow too quickly - meaning more frequent mowing (i.e.. more work) and increased thatch which makes it more difficult for water to reach the roots.

Weeds and drought:

To remove crabgrass without chemical de-weeders, spread fresh seed over your lawn and let the new grass grow at least 4" tall. This will help suffocate the crabgrass, after which you can mow.

A properly sown and tended lawn will not suffer unduly from weeds, insects, or diseases. If you see brown patches or other problems in your lawn, first evaluate your lawn care practices. The lawn's troubles may result from improper mowing or watering, or from compaction and thatch.

By correcting your mower height, fertilizer applications, and watering amounts - and over seeding bare patches - you can probably restore your lawn to its former beauty without resorting to pesticides. If you decide to use a lawn service make sure they will customize the treatment of your yard. Many companies routinely apply the same chemicals to every lawn, whether or not the grass has a problem. This may actually encourage problems by harming beneficial soil organisms.

The best protection from excessive weeds is healthy grass. Your lawn will be healthier and freer of weeds, pests, and diseases if you learn to mow at the right height, water properly, fertilize correctly, and choose the best type of grass for your growing conditions.

 

Dethatching:

If you have not dethatched your lawn recently, make a point of doing it this year. Thatch is made up primarily of dead grass clipping that over time have become packed tightly between new blades of grass. A layer more than ˝ inch deep impedes water and nutrients from reaching grass roots, and is the cause of the vast majority of lawn problems. You can rent a power dethatcher, purchase a dethatching blade for your rotary power mower, or use a dethatching rake. Collect all the loosened thatch and add it to your compost pile, or leave in a clear plastic bag for your municipality to remove as yard waste.

After dethatching If water pools on your lawn after a normal rain, your soil may be too dense, preventing grass roots from getting enough water, nutrients, and air. Spike the soil with a pitchfork or rent a soil

 aerator to loosen put holes down to the root system. (There are even special shoes with huge spikes on them, which you wear while mowing or dethatching to help aerate the soil)

Mowing Rules & Safety:

I) Mow when the grass is dry. A mower may crush wet grass.

II) Mow before you use fertilizer, seed, or apply pesticides.

III) Rake and bag clippings, or use a mulching mower designed to chop blades of grass into bits small enough to reenter the soil as a nutrient.

IV) Always mow across a slope rather than up and down when using a walk behind machine.

V) Turn off the motor if you need to inspect, adjust, or re-fuel it. Pull off the spark plug lead for added safety.

VI) Turn off the motor when you stop to empty the grass bag or unclog the discharge chute.

VII) Clear lawn of toys, sticks and stones (They break bones)

VIII) Keep an eye on everyone, especially small children. Never let anyone cross the path of the side discharge chute. Flying stones and sticks can do serious injury. ·

IX) Carry children on a riding mower.

Edging and trimming:

Edging your lawn can help restore a crisp transition between patios and the grass. In some cases, where it has not been done for several years, you can gain several inches of patio! Use caution when trimming grass around trees and shrubs using a weed wacker. The nylon whip can damage the trunks of trees very badly. Shields are inexpensive and make the task go much quicker.

It is possible to have a picture-perfect lawn without resorting to weed killers and pesticides if you mow it high, use a mulching mower, fertilize once or twice a year, and water deeply once a week when it doesn't rain. No outdoor surface is as resilient, beautiful and inexpensive to install as a lawn. An expanse of grass shows off a formal flower gardens and lends your home a sense of permanence and comfort.