Tips on Basic Lawn Maintenance

Once you have selected the best grass variety for your lawn, proper grass care is essential to healthy growth and color. Research your particular grass variety for specific lawn maintenance tips, but most lawns have the same basic needs.

Water Requirements

The exact amount of water your lawn needs varies by type. It is essential that the grass be watered as deeply as possible. Insert a soil probe or shovel into the soil to determine how deep the root systems go. Aim to water the soil until it reaches the bottom of the roots. Sandy soils will have faster drainage and may need to be watered more frequently, as opposed to those with higher amounts of clay.

Mowing

Determine the best mowing height for your specific turfgrass. Grass mowed too short will have shallow root systems, which may lead to stress, so avoid cutting too much. Higher mowing may result in fewer problems with weeds. According to Ohio State University Extension, never need to remove more than one-third of the grass blade's total height.

Fertilizing

Lack of essential nutrients will result in yellow, faded lawns that are more susceptible to pests and diseases. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, it is best to fertilize in late summer and fall. For best results, obtain a soil test from your local university extension before applying fertilizer products.

References

• Colorado State University Extension: Lawn Care
• Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: Lawn Mowing
• University of Minnesota Extension: Fertilizing Lawns