Seven Must-Know Lawn Care Tips for Creating the Perfect Lawn

Creating the perfect lawn allows you to truly enjoy your landscape. You'll love sitting back, perhaps under a large shade tree, viewing the lush, green lawn you have developed. But, unless you are aware of these seven must-know lawn care tips, creating that perfect lawn can be difficult or even impossible. At the very least, it will require a great deal more work that necessary.

Follow these seven must-know lawn care tips and you will be able to create that perfect lawn you desire:

1. Choose the right grass for your lawn: The right grass for a lawn in one climate will not be the perfect grass for another climate. It is crucial that the grass you select for creating your perfect lawn is climate-compatible and be able to withstand the common pests in your particular area. The amount of sun and shade your lawn will be exposed to will also make a difference. The soil type on your property also impacts the choice you should make. There are hundreds of grass species available and the best way to choose the right species to make your lawn lush and green is to visit your county co-operative agent or one of the most respected nurseries in your area to learn the species from which you can choose which will thrive in your situation. Take a soil sample with you and a photo of your property to help the co-op agent or plant expert offer the best possible advice. Be sure to tell the person who advises you that you would like the grass that is most pest resistant, weed and disease resistant, and also low-maintenance. Unless you have a bare lawn, you will either purchase grass seed to seed the lawn or use plugs to create your perfect lawn. It is rather costly to remove all the existing grass and lay sod. However, if you wish to invest the money, you certain can go completely sod the lawn for the fastest results.

2. Remove weeds and control pests before seeding or plugging your lawn: Even if you seed or plug your lawn with the very best grass for your area, it won't do a great deal of good unless you remove the weeds and control existing pests. You want to start with a good canvas on which your beautiful green lawn can grow. Avoid using weed killers which get into the soil and harm the environment. Instead, either dig up the weeds and their root systems or use natural remedies. All crabgrass and dandelions must be removed. Dallisgrass, nimblewill, quackgrass, tall fescule, and nut grass should be removed. If you live in the Deep South, sand spurs must be removed. If your soil has fungi, use a natural remedy such as a garlic or onion spray. Grubs and other pests can be controlled using natural alternatives as well (see Superior Alternatives to Garden Pesticides for information on these natural alternatives). Control grubs with helpful nematodes.

3. Aerate and amend soil: Before planting, you want to aerate and amend the soil. Working compost mixed with a small amount of sand for drainage into the soil to a depth of about one inch will provide both aeration and extra nutrients for your grass.

4. Sharpen lawnmower blades: At the beginning of each seasons and, if you have a really large lawn, at least once during growing season, have your lawnmower blades professionally sharpened. This prevents chewing the grass blades and causing damage. Damaged grass blades invite pests and disease and give the lawn a ragged appearance.

5. Mow at the right times and to correct height: During growing season, mowing once per week may be just right, but if your grass is really thriving, you may need to mow ever five days. Do not allow the grass to grow too tall before moving. Also, set your lawnmower blade on medium or high setting. Never use the lowest setting on the mower blade because, while you may think it will postpone the need to mow again soon, it will damage your grass and set your perfect lawn up for disease, weeds and pests.

6. Water at the right times and in the right amounts: The average lawn requires one inch of rain per week. Buy a rain gauge so you can keep up with the natural rainfall. In the Southwestern U.S., however, two inches of water per week are the average requirement due to the extremely low humidity. During weeks when your area enjoys sufficient rainfall, do not provide any supplemental water. When your area does not get enough natural rainfall, you will need to provide supplemental water. Water thoroughly so that the water seeks down to the lowest roots and, if possible, water in the early morning.

7. Fertilize properly: In the North, fertilize in September and again in early June. In the South, apply fertilizer twice in the fall, one month apart and three times in the very early spring, again one month apart. Use natural fertilizers such as compost, or sterilized manure. The reason for sterilized manure is to prevent introducing weed seeds into the lawn. Bone meal and soybean meal are also good natural fertilizers. If you use commercial non-organic products, follow label instructions carefully.

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