To get a well-manicured lawn, proper maintenance is a must. The U.S. experiences four seasons, and each one provides a different challenge to homeowners who look after lawns. This means different maintenance techniques are required, especially for spring, summer, and fall seasons. Here are a few tips to help keep your lawn looking green and luscious all year long.
Spring
At this time, maintenance will probably focus on fixing and containing the damage caused by the winter season. De-thatching is an important process that needs to be done as soon as frost has passed. Thatch is a layer of organic material mixed into your grass that needs to be removed. If there is only an inch or so of thatch, use a rake to clean up. If there is more, opt for a de-thatcher.
When you are done with the de-thatching process, assess the condition of your lawn. If the remaining grass are growing sparsely, you need to seed them again. Over-seeding is suggested for a satisfactory result.
Summer
Summer is the season your grass will look their best and grow into a green pasture. At this time, you will spend most of your maintenance time mowing the overgrowth. Avoid excessive mowing because it may make your lawn more susceptible to diseases. Instead, it is advised to mow as frequently as twice a week and only once if the days are quite rainy.
Fall
The main problem homeowners face in the fall season is the dry leaves that fall onto the lawn. Although it is not fun, it is important to remove these leaves frequently. Fallen leaves can retain moisture from rain or morning dew and suffocate your grass, and even cause a fungal infection. Fall is also the best season to fertilize and aerate your soil. As the weather cools, grass grows much more slowly. This causes essential nutrients from the fertilizer to penetrate deeper, allowing the roots to hold on to it longer. Fertilizing in the fall can prepare your lawn for a healthy start in the spring.
Winter
If you live in an area with harsh winters, there is not much you can do about your lawn deep under the snow. But you don’t have to worry much if you have made adequate preparations in the fall. What you need to watch out for in late winter is the onset of spring when your maintenance routine will begin again. If you live in a warmer climate, keep mowing at the recommended height for your grass to prevent weed formation.
There are different things you must focus on at each season to keep your lawn looking its best. For best results, hire an expert lawn care service to help you maintain your lawn.
Sources
Lawns: Spring and Summer Care, RHS.org.uk
Fall Lawn Care: 6 Steps to Take Right Now
