A green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, and for good reason. A well-manicured lawn not only adds to the curb appeal of your home, but it also provides a space for outdoor activities and relaxation. However, achieving and maintaining a lush green lawn can be a challenge, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions or a water shortage. In this blog post, we will discuss the top five things you need to have a green lawn.

1. Soil Testing

The first step in achieving a green lawn is to understand the soil in which it will grow. The quality of your soil will determine the health of your grass, and ultimately, the success of your lawn. Soil tests indicate whether plant nutrients are deficient and, if so, what amounts are needed for maximum growth. Soil testing is also a useful diagnostic tool to identify problems related to excessive levels of nutrients and salts, high pH, low organic matter, and poor drainage. When properly interpreted, soil tests promote more favorable conditions for productive and aesthetically pleasing gardens and landscapes.

Regular testing helps develop and maintain more productive soils for farming, gardening, and landscaping. Soil testing provides clear steps to take so you aren’t guessing.  Utah State University provides testing for the state of Utah as part of their gardening program. You simply take a sample of turf/soil from 6 to 12 inches in a few areas.   Place two cups of mixed soil in a resealable bag and mail it in to them.  When you receive the results you will have a better understanding of the composition of your soil.  By understanding the composition of your soil, you can tailor your lawn care routine to suit the specific needs of your lawn.

2. Aerate Your Lawn

The next step in achieving a green lawn is to aerate your lawn. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil. This will promote root growth and allow your grass to thrive. There are a few different methods of aeration, including using a manual or powered aerator, or renting a lawn care professional to do the job for you. Aerating your lawn once or twice a year, depending on the condition of your soil, will help to keep your lawn healthy and green. Aeration can help your lawn with the following issues.

1. Removes excess thatch
2. Relieves compacted soil
3. Stimulates healthy new roots
4. Sends oxygen to the root zone
5. Helps fight lawn diseases like necrotic ring
6. Reduces water runoff
7. Promotes seed-to-soil contact

3. Proper Watering

Proper watering is essential for maintaining a green lawn. Grass needs about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. It’s best to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than watering it lightly and frequently. This will encourage your grass to grow deep roots, making it more resilient to drought and other stressors.

Watering grass during the day, preferably at sunrise when everything is cooler, will ensure optimal water absorption. Watering grass at night or later in the day—particularly if it’s bright, warm, and breezy—means that the wind and heat of the sun and soil will rob your grass and other plantings of precious hydration. Water is less likely to evaporate in morning’s lower light and temperature, so you waste less. If you get the job done at dawn, you’re giving the water a greater chance of reaching the roots and being fully utilized.  Good rule of thumb is that your watering should be done by 9:00 AM.  

4. Fertilize Regularly

Fertilizing your lawn is an important step in achieving and maintaining a green lawn. Fertilizer provides your grass with the essential nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three most important nutrients for grass growth. There are a few different types of fertilizers available, including organic and synthetic options. Organic fertilizers are made from natural sources, such as compost or manure, and are a more sustainable choice. Synthetic fertilizers are made from chemicals and are often more effective, but can have negative environmental impacts if used improperly.

Most homes need to be fertilized 4 times a year.  There are usually specific blends for each season.  For early spring look for a fertilizer that contains pre-emergent as this will help keep weeds from taking root.  In Early and Summer you will want a fertilizer that has some additional weed and feed options.  Summer applications should include slow release options as temperatures are at their peak.  You want to ensure not to damage your lawn and feed it slowly.  Fall applications are some of the most important in cold weather climates as you get your lawn ready for winter.  The fall application will give good nutrients while not providing top growth.  It can make a huge difference for your lawn in spring to get off to a great start.  

5. Proper Mowing

Proper mowing is crucial for maintaining a green lawn. Mowing your grass too short can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to disease and pests. On the other hand, allowing your grass to grow too tall can shade out the lower leaves, preventing them from getting the sunlight they need to photosynthesize. The general rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the blade height when mowing. This will help to maintain a healthy root system and promote new growth. Mowing weekly will ensure that you don’t remove too much grass.  In the early and late season you can mow shorter from 2.5” to 3”.  As temperatures increase you will increase your mowing length to 3” to 3.5”.  A longer mowing height allows your lawn to conserve water and remain healthy. 

Conclusion

Having a green lawn doesn’t have to be hard.  Following these 5 easy steps is a surefire way to be the envy of your neighborhood.  Know that every time you step out your front door you will be greeted with a beautiful yard.  If you need help with your lawn give us a call at Sunsets Landscaping as let our professionals help give you the yard you desire.