Lawn care requires a basic understanding of the lawn’s needs. A healthy lawn resists invasion from weeds, insects, and diseases.
Watering deeply but infrequently encourages strong roots that can withstand drought and other stresses. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Use pre-emergent weed controls before they grow. Weed-and-feed products promote a dense lawn that crowds out weeds.
Watering
Watering properly is one of the most important parts of lawn care. It’s best to water early in the day so that the sun doesn’t dry out the moisture before it gets absorbed into the roots. Watering too frequently or deeply can damage the grass, causing it to become weak and less drought-resistant.
It’s also a good idea to test the soil for moisture before watering, as some yards require more or less water depending on weather conditions. If the soil feels sandy, it needs to be watered more often, whereas clay soil retains moisture longer and doesn’t need as much. Performing a laboratory soil test can give you valuable information about the composition of your yard’s soil, which will help you determine how often and for how long to water it.
Aim to water your lawn 1 to 1.5 inches per week, excluding rainfall. Aim to water deep and infrequently, soaking the ground to the point that it’s saturated but not over-saturated. Doing so encourages strong root growth and can help your lawn develop resilience to dry conditions. Keeping up with preventative fungicide treatments can also help keep common lawn diseases such as snow mold, brown patches, and dollar spots at bay. They’re especially effective when used in conjunction with an appropriate mowing schedule and proper watering techniques.
Fertilizing
A well-maintained lawn can be a great way to add curb appeal to your property. However, proper lawn care involves more than just watering and mowing. A few important aspects of lawn care include fertilization, fungicide treatments, and pest control. A professional landscaper who specializes in lawn services can help you achieve your dream yard by performing these maintenance tasks and more.
Fertilizing is the primary aspect of a successful lawn. It replenishes the soil’s nutrient content, which is depleted over time due to rainfall, grass growth, and natural decomposition. A regular schedule of fertilization, performed by a certified professional, can keep your Memphis and North Mississippi lawn lush, green, and thriving.
Lawns need three primary nutrients to thrive — nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K). These are usually listed on the front of commercial fertilizer bags with their corresponding percentages by weight. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for the healthy growth of grass. It’s responsible for building proteins and creating chlorophyll, the nutrient that gives grass its lush green color.
A lawn that is fertilized regularly will have a stronger immune system and be less prone to diseases and insect infestations. In addition to fertilizing, other important lawn care services include aeration and dethatching. These practices can help with soil health by reducing thatch and loosening up the earth so it can better absorb moisture and nutrients.
Mowing
Mowing is one of the most common lawn care services that professional landscapers provide. The right lawn mowing technique will keep your grass at the proper height for photosynthesis and nutrient absorption, as well as deter weeds and insect infestation. Your lawn should be mowed at least weekly during the growing season to keep it healthy and looking pulled together. A professional will have the best tools for the job and know how to cut your grass properly and quickly, with attention to detail on corners and edges for a finished look.
Regular mowing will also improve shoot density, making your lawn thicker and more lush. A dense lawn will withstand foot traffic better and reduce soil erosion, plus it will be more resilient against weather and pests.
Other services that fall under the umbrella of lawn care include weed control, soil testing and liming (to reduce acidity), seeding, and deep root feeding for trees and shrubs. Some landscapers may even offer pest control treatments (depending on the location and climate).
The best way to determine if your landscaping company offers lawn care services is by asking them. Be sure to ask about pricing, but don’t be afraid to compare apples to apples. It is also important to find out whether a company will only apply lawn care services that are safe for the environment and your family.
Weeding
Weeds are unwanted plants that compete with grass for resources such as water, sunlight and nutrients. They can be annuals, biennials, or perennials and can grow in a variety of environments and climates. Annual weeds have a short life cycle, meaning they germinate and mature each year. Examples include crabgrass and purslane. Preventative weed control strategies such as applying pre-emergent herbicides in early spring can disrupt the germination process and prevent these unwanted plants from establishing themselves.
Regular lawn weed control keeps your yard looking lush and healthy, which in turn can increase your home’s curb appeal. It also reduces the amount of time and effort needed to maintain your yard, as a well-maintained lawn will naturally outcompete weeds for resources.
Perennial weeds like dandelions and bindweed are more challenging to manage, as they are resilient and often come back after appearing to be eradicated. Managing these invasive plants requires a combination of preemergence herbicides, diligent removal, and postemergence weed killers.
Weeds not only spoil the beauty of a yard, but they can also act as a habitat for insects and disease-causing organisms. Weeds provide food and shelter to harmful organisms that can cause anaphylactic shock, rashes, and other unpleasant or even life-threatening symptoms in individuals with sensitivities. Regular weed control treatments decrease the number of weeds in your yard, which in turn helps protect your family’s health.