By Tyler R. Morrissey
Have you ever driven by a local park with pristine Kentucky bluegrass? Or maybe you’ve envied your neighbor’s green thumb. August is here and the end of the summer season may be fast approaching, but you still have another month or so to enjoy a lush and fabulous green lawn. For many homeowners their lawn is a source of pride. Follow these five tips to make sure the grass is greener on the other side in the final weeks of the season.
Don’t cut your lawn too short
Everyone loves a well manicured lawn and some even enjoy the task of mowing their lawn on a weekly basis. However, there is such a thing as cutting your grass too much or cutting it too short. According to Realtor.com, when you mow more than you should, the shoots of the grass become weak and will not produce strong roots. When this happens, your lawn will not last in the heat of August and becomes more susceptible to weeds.
The right amount of H2O
Too much of a good thing is never good, especially when it comes to your lawn. Realtor.com says when you over saturate the ground; it makes it harder for the roots to absorb the water. On the contrary, some lawns suffer from not enough water. A good rule of thumb is to give your lawn about a third of an inch of water every other day during dry spells. It’s also good to keep an eye on the sky for pop up showers that can produce enough water to quench your lawn and garden’s thirst.
Win the war on weeds
Weeds are an inevitable part of maintaining a crisp looking lawn, but one of the best defenses against weeds is taking proper care of your lawn. According to Realtor.com, weeds sprout fastest in bare patches of grass. To stay on top of bare patches you will want to over seed patches of dirt in the spring and then aerate your lawn to add oxygen to the soil. Didn’t plant extra seeds in the spring? There are still ways to defeat weeds this summer. “Crowding out the weeds” is a popular practice that includes proper maintenance habits such as keeping mower blades sharp and mowing in the evening or morning to avoid the hottest parts of the afternoon.
Feed the green
Multiple sources say properly fertilizing your grass is vital to a healthy lawn and timing is everything when it comes to fertilizer. Most lawn fertilizers are applied in warmer and cooler seasons depending on their growth cycles, so if you missed your chance to apply it in the spring, the end of August is your next chance. By applying fertilizer at the end of the summer, you are giving your lawn the nutrients it needs to survive the winter months.
Love thy neighbor
Sometimes taking proper care of your lawn requires special equipment. While most people own a lawn mower, you may not have an aerator or weed whacker in the tool shed or garage. For special equipment that does not get used every week look no further to your left, right or across the street. Realty Biz News recommends that your neighbor will have similar lawn care needs as yourself and may be able lend you the equipment you need for the weekend. Just be sure to return any borrowed equipment when you are finished.
