Creating the lawn you’ve always wanted might be easier than you think. While it’s tempting to get caught up in complex maintenance tricks, if you follow the fundamentals you’ll set yourself up for success.
Here are seven essential tips to ensure a strong, healthy lawn...
Know Your Grass
Lawn care is rarely one-size-fits-all. In fact, there are dozens of different grass types in the United States that will vary based on the region and climate you live in. Those who live in Northwest states like Washington and Oregon want a more cold-tolerant grass like bluegrass or ryegrass. In states like Texas with hot summers, a more sun-tolerant grass like Bermuda or Bahia is ideal.
Use the Right Equipment for the Job
For typical homes in the city or suburbs, a push or walk-behind mower is usually a safe choice. However, once your property expands beyond a half-acre, it’s time to consider an upgrade. A sub-compact tractor like the Yanmar SA Series has numerous advantages. To start, it will help you avoid hours working in the sweltering summer sun. On top of that, its size is just right to navigate tight spaces and store easily in a garage or shed. Finally, a tractor equipped with the right attachments can help with infinitely more landscaping tasks than a standard lawn mower.
Water for the Conditions
One of the biggest questions around lawn care is how much to water. Many people just turn on the sprinklers and hope for the best. In reality, watering should be catered to the specific conditions of your property and grass type. Lawns with lots of shade won’t require as much water as those in direct sunlight. Similarly, lawns with sandy soil should be watered more often than those with high clay content.
To help you determine what’s right for your land, these are some watering best practices...
Check the root depth of your lawn with a shovel and water until the moisture in the soil reaches that depth.
Apply water gradually instead of quickly so it is thoroughly absorbed and not being wasted as runoff.
Follow the footprint test to see if your lawn has enough water. If you walk on the lawn and footprints still remain after an hour, it’s in need of irrigation.
Water in early morning or late evening to maximize efficiency and minimize loss due to evaporation and wind.
Mow Consistently
An inconsistent mowing schedule can throw your lawn into disarray. A general rule of thumb is to have no more than 1/3 of the grass height removed at any single mowing. Should you miss a mowing and the grass is longer than usual, still follow this rule and then cut the grass to its normal length a few days later. Inconsistent mowing can shock your grass and lead to higher chances of disease, insects, and weeds.
Choose the Right Height
Different grass types also have different standards for ideal length. At the very minimum, your grass shouldn’t be shorter than two inches, no matter the variety of grass. Going lower than that can cause decreased drought and heat tolerance. Once you’ve identified your grass type, do a quick search to find out what length is best for your property.
Change Directions
It’s easy to fall into routines and always mow in the same pattern. Surprisingly, this isn’t so good for your lawn. When you repeat the same direction over and over, your grass is trained to grow that way. Over time it can start to grow at an angle and the soil gets packed down, creating ruts where the tires have been running. Avoid a rough or shaggy-looking lawn by changing up your pattern with each mow.
Aerate & Fertilize Seasonally
Over time, the roots of your lawn can become tightly compacted and need a little room to breathe. Aerating makes small holes in the lawn that allow oxygen, water, and fertilizer to get deep into the root structure. Further, a regular schedule of fertilizing in the spring and fall will provide additional strength to help your grass thrive.
If you need any further help or have any questions about service, tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944. Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.
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