A well-maintained lawn enhances the beauty of your property and serves as a functional outdoor space for family activities, relaxation, and hosting. Healthy lawns are more than just a boost in curb appeal; they also trap dust, reduce erosion, and improve the overall air quality. However, maintaining that lush green lawn requires a strategic approach.
As experts in all things lawn maintenance, we’ve found the best methods to keep your lawn looking fresh. Follow these Lawn Pride® step-by-step lawn care maintenance practices to ensure your lawn thrives year-round while also being healthy and strong.
Step 1: Mow Your Lawn the Right Way
Mowing is one of the most fundamental tasks in lawn care, but doing it incorrectly can harm your grass rather than help it.
The general rule of thumb for mowing height is never to cut more than one-third of the grass blade’s height. If you cut the grass too short, otherwise known as scalping, you can weaken it and make it more susceptible to damage from heat, drought, or pests. For most lawns, it’s best to maintain them at 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
The proper mowing schedule will depend on where you live and what growing season the grass is in. Most people will mow every week, but if you’re in a slower growth period, like the winter, you can mow every two weeks.
When mowing, avoid going over wet grass. This can lead to clumping and an uneven cut, which damages the grass. Make sure your blades are sharp, as dull blades will just tear the grass, and end up ruining it.
Step 2: Water Wisely to Keep Your Lawn Hydrated
After mowing your lawn, you’ll need to water it with precision to give your lawn maintenance plan a chance. If you overwater it, you risk drowning your grass and allowing fungal diseases to grow. Watering it too little can make your lawn patchy and brown.
Most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, whether it’s from manual watering or rainfall. Instead of watering every day, aim for less frequent but deep watering to help the roots grow deeper into the soil.
The best time to water your grass is between 6 and 10 a.m. This allows the grass time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate.
Step 3: Fertilize at The Right Time For Optimal Growth and Color
Fertilize your lawn with the proper nutrients in the spring and fall to grow a healthy and strong lawn.
Generally, these fertilizers make for greener, ticker grass:
- Nitrogen (N) - Promotes leaf growth
- Phosphorus (P) - Promotes root development
- Potassium (K) - Improves stress resistance
The right fertilizer mix for your lawn will depend on your region and grass type. If you aren’t sure which one to choose, check with your local Lawn Pride expert.
Step 4: Control Weeds Before They Spread
Weeds compete with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight, and sometimes, they’ll win out and destroy your lawn. Weed control prevention is key.Ideally, you apply pre-weed herbicides before the weeds can even sprout. If you already have weeds, spot-treat them rather than applying chemicals to the entire lawn.
Step 5: Manage Pests to Protect Your Lawn
Common lawn pests include grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. Look for thinning grass and animals or birds digging in your yard. You may be dealing with lawn pests, especially when these signs are accompanied by brown patches.
If you do notice these signs, act quickly to prevent the pests from taking over. You can consider natural lawn pest control, like nematodes or milky spores to protect your lawn pests. If eco-friendly methods aren’t working, consider using chemical treatments or working with a professional like Lawn Pride for lawn pest control.
Step 6: Aeration and Overseeding for Long-Term Lawn Health
Aeration creates small holes in the soil to allow water and nutrients to get deeper into the root zone. In addition to promoting nutrient absorption, aeration helps avoid soil compaction.
If you notice your lawn is thinner, you can try overseeding to thicken it and fill in bare spots. Just make sure you choose high-quality grass seeds that match your existing grass type.
Need Help? Trust Lawn Pride’s Experts
While maintaining a lawn takes time and effort, the results are worth it. However, even with these best practices, lawn maintenance can still feel like a losing battle.
If you’re looking for professional support, our Lawn Pride team of service professionals is here to help. From mowing and fertilization to pest control, we’ll take care of your lawn so you can enjoy a lush yard year-round. All our work is backed by our Neighborly Done Right Promise™, so you can trust you’re in good hands.
Contact us today for professional lawn care services!
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Lawn Pride is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Lawn Pride location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.