I have just taken on a big task, writing a general how to lawn care guide. Why do I do this to myself? No way I can cover all this material in a quick guide right. Wrong, well kinda right. While there is a ton to know about lawn care, I feel I can break down a good intro guide in just one post. You won’t be a certified botanist after this read, but you will be better informed about lawn care. These are direct points to get in as much info as possible. Strap in!
It All Starts with ……..??
A how to lawn care guide starts with grass. Grow the right type for your property. Consider your shade levels, slopes that cause erosion, and amount of watering you are willing to do on a weekly basis.
If you don’t pay someone to mow your lawn, then make sure you do it right. No dull blades on the grass. Sharp cuts make the grass more healthy. Don’t mow the grass too low. If you want thick green turf, you can’t stunt the growth by butchering the roots! Sorry to be so direct, but I have seen some grass butchery in my day:)
Now for Plants
Do not just dig a hole and stick a flower there. Plan out your plant beds. Use potting soil and for Pete’s sake, use mulch of some sort. Plants need mulch to help maintain moisture levels. Weeds are controlled by mulch as well. By it in bags or by the discounted truckload depending on how much you will need.
Both plants and grass need fertilizer and in the right amounts. Don’t overdo it or you will hurt the turf or flowers. Regular fertilizing over the entire year with proper amounts will get your property looking right.
Information Overload?
Good, you wanted a general How to Lawn Care Guide, so let’s keep going.
If you have shrubs, they will need to be trimmed from time to time. The longer you wait, the harder the job will be. You don’t have to take much off the bushes to do a good job. Just give the shrubs a slight haircut in a good shape. Rounded is always a good choice. Curves are more eye appealing than straight lines. That is a general landscaping rule also. If you have overgrown bushes, you can cut them way back as much as needed in the winter months. They will grow back in the spring. By the way, hedge trimmers are dangerous like any cutting tool. Use caution and common sense, especially when using these trimmers on a ladder.
When Things Go Wrong
Sometimes your grass will have thin spots. Occasionally a plant or bush will die. That is not fun but it happens. No need to panic. You can fill in thin grass spots with pieces of sod or re-seed. This is an easy fix. You do need to find the root cause of the issue though. Too much shade, not enough water, poor soil, etc. These could all be a problem to troubleshoot.
Dead plants are no fun as they are not cheap to replace. However, many retailers will replace plants for free up to a year. Keep receipts so you can get a refund or another plant if you do have a death in the plant family you have tried to nurture.
Last, But Not Least in This “How to Lawn Care-Guide”
I will mention lawn pests. This can mean anything from fire ants to moles that dig holes in your green turf. There are options to control these pests. But before you head out to Home Depot, research some natural methods to rid your lawn of your specific problem. A local feed store may be of more help on the natural cures for common pests as well.
Ok, you are now a certified botanist. Actually you’re just a little more informed about lawn care. I know you are busy so I hope that quick breakdown poured out some good info in a short space.
Happy Mowing!
