Drysch Landscaping inc

Lawn Care Tips

Below are some useful lawn maintenance tips:

Mowing:

• Raise the mower to cut the grass higher rather than cutting it short. The upper portion of the grass carries more nutrients to the roots helping in better growth of the grass. Thicker grass roots mean fewer weeds. Taller grass also keeps sun off the soil and preserves the water content.
• Regular sharpening of mower blades prevents your lawn grass from tearing and wounding, and makes it easier to mow quickly.
• Try not to mow the grass when it’s wet.

Mulching:

• Ideally, the mulch layer should be approximately one to three inches deep. However, for ornamental plants, a one inch layer is sufficient enough.
• Do not mulch right up to the base of trees and shrubs, as it could cause decay and injury. A healthy mulch mixture can consist of shredded hardwood bark or cypress, pine needles and pine bark nuggets.

Soil Tips:

• It is very important to keep the right pH balance of the soil of your lawn because weeds thrive on more acidic or alkaline soils. Use a soil test kit to determine the pH level of your lawn soil. If your lawn has naturally acidic soil you may use lime or wood ash to neutralize it. Aim to improve the pH balance gradually to the desired levels.
• Aerating your lawn at regular intervals is very important for the soil. This helps the soil and the roots to absorb air, water and nutrients.

Watering:

• Most types of grasses require about an inch of water every week. It is better to water the grass for the entire week at one go rather than watering every day. Early morning is the best time to water.
• Grass has a natural ability to reduce its growing activities to overcome a draught situation. Overusing nitrogen fertilizer may affect this ability of the grass.

Thatching:

• Do not dethatch your lawn in mid-season as it will inhibit growth and even kill off parts of your lawn.
• Raking of the lawn is suggested for small and medium-sized lawns that have thatches less than one inch. If the thatch is more than ½”, remove it with a rake or dethatching machine.

Tick Prevention:

• The best way to prevent ticks is by keeping your lawn mowed to a height of 3 inches or less. Low height lowers the humidity at ground level, making it difficult for ticks to survive.
• Make sure your lawn is clear from weeds, leaf litter and other debris. This vegetation can attract ticks and their hosts as well.