A green lawn is sometimes an elusive goal – many try but few succeed. With our years of experience, we thought we should take the time to share a few secrets we’ve gathered over the years for how to get and maintain a green lawn.
Green Lawn Secrets from the Pros
Fall Aeration and/or Spring Dethatching
Both of these activities allow the first fertilizer application of the season to reach the root zone much more quickly and effectively than if it hadn’t been completed. Bottom line is that if your lawn is aerated in the fall or dethatched in the spring prior to the first fertilizer application, your lawn will green up twice as fast – much to the envy of your neighbors.
Proper Watering
Lawns can be very tricky when it comes to receiving the proper amount of water. Over water your lawn and you are sure to have disease coupled with a thin lawn. Under water and your lawn will be burnt, thin, and lacking the desired vibrant green color. Given that sprinkler systems can often be troublesome, sometimes it is best to seek a professional to monitor how much water your lawn is getting and see to the necessary updates to your sprinkler system. The true secret to ensuring a green lawn all season long is to water for longer periods of time less often, and only water when you notice the grass is starting to get a little dry.
Nitrogen Application
We bet that you didn’t think you’d be getting science lesson when trying to achieve a green lawn. However, the truth is that turf grass loves nitrogen. The more nitrogen that is applied to your lawn, the more the grass will grow. The results will be a thicker, greener lawn. Turf can utilize 4-5 pounds of nitrogen during a growing season, spaced over 6-7 applications. Lawns need to be fed every 5 weeks to maintain healthy growth. Be sure to consult a professional for their advice on the best fertilization program that is customized to fit the needs of your lawn.