Nobody wants a brown, dry, dead-looking lawn. Unless they are trying to recreate the garden from The Addams Family or it’s part of a Halloween decoration.
A lush, green, and well-kept lawn will not only elevate the beauty of any home but will also help to raise the cost, which is crucial if you’re looking to sell your property. For many people, maintaining such a lawn can easily feel like a daunting task, and as such, many people do not learn what it takes to keep the grass in their garden looking its best.
It isn’t as hard as it sounds, and with some simple tips, lawn care can become extremely straightforward, so read on to learn more.
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Mow Efficiently
Starting with an obvious aspect, mowing is one of the most time-consuming parts of lawn care, but if you do it correctly, it can become a lot easier. Try to set your mower blade to the right height, which will usually leave grass that is about three inches long post-mow.
It may be worth looking at the mower that you use; riding lawnmowers are ideal for larger spaces and smaller gardens can benefit from electrical mowers. Make sure that you sharpen your mower blades regularly and you may want to consider investing in a mulching mower, as this cuts the grass into fine pieces and adds a natural fertilizer to the soil.
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Choose the Right Grass for Your Climate
Yes, there are different types of grass, and simplifying lawn care can start with selecting the right kind. Different grasses thrive in different climates, with Bermuda grass performing well in warmer areas and Kentucky Bluegrass being ideal for cooler conditions. Choose a grass variety that is suited to your local climate and you will reduce the need for extra watering, fertilizing, or even pest control.
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Practice Smart Watering
Overwatering can be just as bad as underwatering, so aim for deep but infrequent watering sessions, as this will encourage the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil. Many people opt to water their lawns once or twice a week, depending on the season and the type of soil that they are using. If you have an extremely large garden, it can be worth investing in a timed sprinkler system, which will ensure consistent watering and will keep your lawn looking green even in the summer.
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Feed and Aerate Your Lawn
It is also worth investing in a slow-release fertilizer, which only requires lawn application once or twice a year. Just make sure you get the timing right; spring or fall are ideal times for most regions. It’s also worth aerating your lawn, especially if it is clay-based soil. This involves perforating the ground to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate. Aeration will also reduce soil compaction, which will help healthier grass to grow.
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Control Weeds Naturally
Weeds are a lawn care headache, but they can be managed without needing to resort to harsh chemicals or pesticides. Interestingly, a thick and healthy lawn is your best defence against weeds, as it naturally crowds the roots and prevents growth. For stubborn weeds, you can also consider using natural remedies such as vinegar or corn gluten, as both of these are eco-friendly and safe for use around pets and children.