A lawn is more than just an outdoor space with soil and mowed grass. It provides plenty of aesthetic and functional benefits to homeowners. Well-maintained lawns can be a great venue for any social gathering or outdoor activity. More importantly, it can also increase the value of your home.
Lawns require proper care, and attending to them year-round can be tricky. Seasonal lawn maintenance, however, doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It all starts with following basic rules and incorporating lawn care into your overall home maintenance plan. Below are a few tips on how to maintain your lawn no matter the season.
Lawn maintenance during spring
Think of spring as the beginning of your lawn care calendar. Start by getting rid of dead leaves and other debris, such as fallen branches and twigs, that have built up on your lawn over the winter. Make sure to remove any coverings to allow much-needed oxygen to reach the lawn grass.
Spring is also the time to apply herbicide to address weed growth. This prevents aggressive weeds like crabgrass from taking over your entire lawn.
Around mid-March, make sure to apply organic fertilizer. Take care not to over fertilize to avoid burning the grass.
Lawn maintenance during summer
With your lawn revived, it’s important to continue its care over summer. Aside from controlling weed growth, don’t forget to remove dead plant stocks from the area.
You will also need to mulch, a technique that involves covering the soil with organic material to preserve its moisture. Mulches like bark chips work best since they also help improve soil quality.
Summer is when you should watch out for destructive bugs like grub worms— they feed on the grassroots. You may need the help of a landscape professional to help with bug control.
Finally, keep your lawn healthy and vibrant by having a proper watering schedule. In the summer months, your lawn must get about an inch of water every week. Watering in the early morning or late evening will ensure the water won’t evaporate quickly due to the heat.
Lawn maintenance during fall and winter
As winter approaches, it’s time to put away outdoor furnishings such as chairs and pools to protect not just these items, but also the grass.
Fall is the time to spread some grass seed. Make sure to pick the right kind of grass for your landscape. Buffalo grass and Bermuda grass are popular choices. Buffalo grass seed can be expensive, but the end-product is a low-maintenance turf that’s drought-resistant. It also maintains its beautiful green color throughout the year. Bermuda grass is also resilient and can even help you manage weed growth.
After spreading grass seed, don’t forget to apply fertilizer to nourish the grass over winter. The nutrients stored in the roots will be released come springtime.
Last but not the least, make sure to mow the grass and to rake twigs and dead leaves. You should also refrain from walking on your lawn over the winter months to prevent damage to the dormant grass.
On the lookout for a home with great curb appeal? Pagnotta Homes can show you around Somerset County and its beautiful communities. Contact our team at Pagnotta Homes by calling 908.436.7947 or send us an email.