Lawn Tips

Proper Mowing

• Proper mowing practices change with the seasons. During warm spring and summer seasons, allow grass to grow high, roughly 3 inches tall in spring and 4 inches tall during summer. As temperatures drop, cut the grass to a lower height. If you live in a climate that receives snow, cut the grass at approximately 1 inch during the last mow of the season to prevent molding and discourage pests from burrowing within your lawn during winter.

Fertilization

• Excessive fertilization can cause just as much damage as a lack of fertilization. If your lawn appears vibrant, experiences steady growth and appears healthy, don't apply fertilizer; under ideal conditions, a lawn and soil produce required nutrients. If a lawn appears unhealthy, such as discoloration or poor growth, do not assume that lack of fertilization causes the problems. Attempt to identify alternative causes, such as insufficient sunlight, pests or invasive weeds.

Herbicide-Fertilizer

• Using products that combine herbicide and fertilizer into a single liquid can result in overfertilization. Manufacturers usually base application recommendations on the coverage rate of the product's herbicide content and do not account for the variations among lawns' fertilization requirements. To avoid accidental overfertilization, take the time to apply herbicides and fertilizers separately.

Grass Color and Irrigation

• Before turning yellow or brown, a lawn indicates drought with varying shades of green. Darkening of grass's green hue indicates that the lawn requires irrigation. Additionally, if the lawn easily "bruises" or receives imprints, the grass is ready for irrigation. The ideal method of irrigation for lawns is prolonged, deep watering. Allowing water to fully penetrate the lawn's soil encourages the grass's roots to grow deeper and stronger. In general, lawns require approximately 1 inch of water per week, including water provided by rain.