Garden How Tos... Lawn Care |
Six Steps to Renovating Your Lawn
After a visit from the "lawn doctor" was the prognosis intensive care? What wasn't left for dead buried under tons of winter snow now must dry out from spring rains that have deluged the area. Where is the green that lifts our spirits? The answer is in 6 easy steps to renovation your lawn. Maintaining a healthy turf is a great way to get outdoors after a winter that just wouldn't go away. When you're done, your turf will be in great shape and you'll feel good too-a greener lawn & leaner you!
Let's break it down. Take these steps, or only those you fell necessary, in the order shown:
Step 1: Dethatching. Thatch occurs in lawns as a build up of tillering that occurs with mature rhizomes. It is this internet or crossing of decomposing rhizomes that forms a mat in your turf just below the soil line. It should be removed with a dethatching machine or by mowing close to the ground and following with a stiff rake to tear up any remaining debris.
Step 2: Raking It's not only great exercise for you, but really stimulates your turf while removing the old grass, crabgrass and weeds. Because thatch and weeds decompose slowly and might contain weed seeds, we recommend against composting this material.
Step 3: Aeration. This might just be the most beneficial aspect of the six steps. Punching holes, or coring your turf allows moisture, fertilizer and air to penetrate the soil. This can reduce the effects of soil compaction and allow for better drainage. This can be done mechanically by a lawn service or manually with a foot press aerator or a new pair of golf shoes that need breaking in.
Step 4: Seeding. For spot seeding many choose to use a blend of perennial ryegrasses. They germinate quickly, usually with 7-10 days, and provide quick cover for winter damaged areas such as entry ways, driveways and play areas. Choose a seed mixture that is right for your area. Blends are available in sunny, shady, or combination areas. Broadcast by hand or with a rotary spreader. Water in well, possibly daily until seedlings are well established.
Step 5: Fertilizing. For renovation your turf we recommend using a "starter" fertilizer. This provides a green-up, but also focuses on developing the root system, making your turf disease and drought resistant. Follow directions on bag for application instructions.
Step 6: Watering. This is probably the last thing you want to thing about now! However, a new lawn, whether it is sod or seed, should be watered consistantly until well established. This might mean daily waterings, more in warmer weather. Following these simple steps can help your lawn look better than ever-and you'll feel better too!
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