STEPS FOR A HEALTHY LAWN
Promote Grass Growth
Build a strong, healthy lawn from the ground up.
Sunlight – Grass needs 6+ hours of direct sun daily. Trim trees or choose shade-tolerant seed if needed.
Mow Tall – Keep grass at 3–4 inches to shade out weeds and support root health.
Mulch Clippings – Leave grass clippings to return nutrients and reduce waste.
Rotate Mowing Pattern – Change direction weekly to prevent ruts and encourage upright growth.
Water Deeply – Water less often but deeply—about 1 inch per week—to encourage deep roots. Use a rain gauge to measure the water in each irrigation zone.
Fertilize Smart – Use slow-release fertilizer in spring, summer, fall & winter for steady, balanced growth.
Liquid Fertilizer – Use liquid feed for quick nutrient uptake—ideal for mid-season boosts.
Top Dress with Compost – Spread a thin layer of compost to enrich soil and improve structure.
Aerate Soil – Loosen compacted soil once a year to improve air, water, and nutrient flow.
Overseed Thin Areas – Add fresh seed in fall to boost density and crowd out weeds.
Seed or Sod Bare Spots – Repair dead zones with seed or sod for fast recovery and full coverage.
Test Soil – Every 2–3 years, check pH and nutrients to guide fertilizer and lime use.
Control Pests & Prevent Problems
Keep your lawn resilient and trouble-free with proactive care.
Apply Pre-Emergent – Use in early spring and fall to block weed seeds before they sprout.
Use Broad-Based Weed Spray – Treat the full lawn with selective herbicide to kill weeds without harming grass.
Spot Treat Stubborn Weeds – After pre-emergent and broad spray, target any tough survivors with direct treatment. The old-fashioned hand pulling works for this step also.
Monitor for Insects – Check for spongy turf, thinning grass or brown patches; treat only if needed.
Prevent Fungus & Disease – Water early in the day, avoid overwatering, and mow with sharp blades to reduce moisture buildup and stress.
Sharpen Mower Blades – Dull blades tear grass and invite disease—sharpen 2–3 times per season.
Avoid Overwatering – Too much water causes fungus and shallow roots—stick to the 1-inch rule.
Check Drainage – Watch for pooling water and fix low spots to prevent root rot.
Helpful Tips
Simple habits that make a big difference over time.
Keep a Seasonal Checklist – Spring, summer, and fall each have key tasks—stay ahead with a simple plan.
Mow When Dry – Wet grass clumps and spreads disease—wait for dry conditions.
Edge Cleanly – Maintain crisp borders to keep grass from creeping into beds and walkways.
Keep Debris Cleared – Remove leaves, sticks, and clutter to prevent smothering and disease.
Use a Rain Gauge – Track rainfall to avoid overwatering and adjust your schedule.
Watch for Stress Signs – Browning, thinning, or weeds often signal deeper issues—adjust care accordingly. If you see brown patches, determine if they are fungus or insect and treat them quickly.
Affordable Hose-End Treatments – Lowe’s and other stores sell weed control, insecticide & fungicides in bottles that hook to your hose—easy to use and usually under $25. They do sell organic options also.