Maintaining a lawn can be quite expensive, time-consuming, and physically demanding. It’s not just a one-time task but rather an ongoing commitment that requires daily, weekly, and monthly care and attention. For first-time homeowners, learning basics such as the soil type, the right fertilization methods, and the importance of aerating and mowing the lawn is important to achieve the best results. This requires thorough planning and willingness to put in the work.
Lawn care tips
Although lawn care can initially seem challenging, maintaining and nurturing a lawn is achievable over time. Breaking down different tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes the process less complicated and more manageable for first-timers.
1. Know the soil type
For soil to thrive in a lawn, it needs to have the right balance of sand, silt, and clay. So, it is best to use soil test kits and test the soil in multiple spots for accurate results. These tests will provide valuable insights into the soil type, pH levels, and nutrient content. Based on the results, test labs may recommend corrective measures such as adding amendments or specific nutrients to improve soil quality.
2. Create a suitable lawn design
Consider the lawn’s drainage and slope of the yard when devising a landscape design that matches the existing terrain and architectural style of the house. Lawns can be of various shapes, including square, rectangular, rhombus, circle, oval, or any custom design. For inspiration, one can browse the internet, garden magazines, and other neighboring lawns.
3. Identify the most suitable grass
When selecting the lawn grass, one should consider the local climate and soil type. If the climate is cooler, opt for cool-season grass. Similarly, warm-season grass is more suitable for areas with warmer temperatures. So, to determine the best type of grass for specific weather conditions, seek advice from local nurseries.
4. Decide on watering systems
Three main irrigation systems are ideal for lawns.
- Manual watering
- In-ground sprinkler system
- Above-ground sprinkler system
Choose the right system based on the outdoor space dimensions
5. Buy lawn care equipment
Lawn care can sometimes be labor intensive, requiring simple hand tools to complex equipment like lawnmowers, electric seeders, and fertilizer spreaders. One can also rent equipment or hire service companies if they do not want to spend on a few key tools.
- String trimmers
- Seed and fertilizer spreaders
- Watering equipment
- Rakes
- Lawn mowers
- Aerators
- Blowers
- Edgers
6. Prepare the soil
Once the lawn design is ready, one can begin preparing the soil by digging it and removing all weeds and debris. Add topsoil and amendments to improve soil quality. Next, level the area and add compost and needed fertilizers.
7. Choose the best planting method
As soon as the soil is prepared, one can begin planting. One can choose to plant seeds, sods, sprigs, or plugs based on the grass/plant type and their own preferences.
8. Know the right watering amount and method
Generally, a lawn requires about one and a half inches of water a week. Excessive amounts of water can prevent the roots from spreading deeper, leading to shallow roots that are more susceptible to damage. It is best to water the lawn before the sun becomes too intense, ideally between 5 am and 10 am. Avoid watering at night as it can cause water stagnation, which in turn can attract pests.
9. Aerate the soil
In this process, small holes are dug to allow water, fertilizer, and oxygen to reach the roots. This can be done by hand or by machines similar to lawnmowers. Note that the aeration process should be done once a year.
10. Track growth patterns
One should track the growth of the grass periodically. Weeds, brown or yellow grass, fungi and moss, and stunted growth are all signs of potential problems. Address such issues by using corrective methods such as adding herbicides and pesticides or aerating the lawn.
11. Mow the lawn
Regularly mowing the lawn, say, weekly or fortnightly, ensures the grass receives adequate sunlight. Mowing can also help get rid of weeds, pests, and fungi, helping the law look clean and green.
12. Prepare a fertilizer schedule
Creating a fertilizer schedule, digitally or in a calendar home, helps a first-time homeowner remember to fertilize the lawn periodically. The fertilizer schedule should include details such as the dates of fertilization and the specific amount to be used. Missing fertilization can lead to negative effects on the plant and grass growth.
13. Dethatch the lawn
As the grass on the lawn grows, dried, withered grass and roots loosen up, and dry leaves and debris accumulate on the surface. Here, dethatching can help. This procedure gets rid of the accumulated debris with the help of rakes or power tools.
14. Prevent pest and fungi infestation
Pests and fungi generally affect lawns that lack regular maintenance. Local climate and moisture can also contribute to pest infestations. In such cases, it is important to address the issue promptly by using organic or synthetic herbicides.
15. Weed the lawn
Weeding the lawn regularly is a crucial part of lawn care. If neglected, weeds can invade the lawn and hinder the growth of the grass. If one notices severe weed invasion, they must consider applying herbicides formulated to get rid of the specific type of weed.
