A beginner's guide to grass maintenance

To have a healthy, beautiful lawn, it’s essential to learn the basics of grass maintenance. Lawn mowing is only one aspect of keeping grass healthy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge, you can find a lawn care routine that works for you and your home.

To help, here are some basic lawn care tips:

Test the soil

The more you know about your soil, the better prepared to care for your lawn you’ll be. Use a lawn test kit to find out essential information like pH and mineral content. It’s also helpful to take and maintain separate samples of problem spots, like bare patches or areas especially prone to weeds.

Choose the right grass

Choosing grass well-suited to your region will ensure a happy, healthy lawn and fewer issues for you to deal with. Know the differences between warm season grasses and cool season grasses, and take the layout of your yard into consideration as well.

For example, Kentucky bluegrass is ideal for shady gardens and cool climates, while Bermuda grass flourishes in hot, sunny climates.

Feed your lawn

A well-fed lawn is a healthy lawn. Providing your grass with regular doses of nutrient-rich, slow release fertilizer will ensure your lawn can resist weeds, pests and weather changes. Consider using organic matter from your compost pile for a low-cost alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

Water wisely

For a healthier lawn, water deeply but not too often. If you water too frequently in small amounts, your lawn will develop shallow roots and become more vulnerable to drought and pest damage. New grass seed needs plenty of water to flourish, but an established lawn only needs watering once a week during the growing season.

Whether you’re new to lawn care or just want to learn ways to improve your yard, these basic maintenance tips will help you achieve your goals.