10 tips for better lawns
6 Apr, 2009 LM Direct!Here are 10 tips for nicer lawns from Consumer Reports. These may seem obvious to most professionals, but we felt the information was valuable. And all of us need a refresher now and again.
1. Fertilize less. Instead of stocking up on fertilizer, clear out yard debris and test the soil to find out the soil's pH, missing nutrients, how much of each is needed, and when to apply them. Insider's Tip: Do-it-yourself soil testers do not always deliver accurate results. Pay around $10 for a local cooperative extension service to analyze your soil sample.
2. Maintain your mower. Oil changes, basic engine maintenance and sharp blades can reduce fuel costs by up to 25%. Insider's Tip: Sharpen and balance blades three times during growing season and invest $15-$20 in a second blade to use while the other is being serviced.
3. Thicken your turf. Choose grass suited to your climate, soil conditions and lifestyle. Your local cooperative extension can recommend species and varieties. Insider's Tip: Cover seed with a fine layer of soil, compost, or peat moss. Add starter fertilizer and gently pack the soil down with the back of a hoe or shovel. Seeds germinate better in lightly compacted soil.
4. Mow less. Never cut more than one-third of the blade's total height or it will weaken the roots. Mow less often as the weather heats up and grass growth slows. Insider's Tip: If the lawn develops a whitish hue, too much is probably being cut off the top.
5. Add compost. Adding a quarter-inch of top-dressing compost once or twice a year promotes a healthy turf and saves money by reducing need for fertilizer and water. Insider's Tip: A compost bin provides a ready supply of compost for the lawn and allows nonanimal food waste to be recycled.
6. Mulch clippings. Mulching instead of bagging returns natural nutrients to soil, saving time, bags, and as much as 30% on fertilizing costs. Insider's Tip: Hose down the underside of the mower's deck after each use for better mulching and a neater cut.
7. Water smartly. Water deeply and infrequently: one inch per week, although hot spells may require additional watering. Insider's Tip: Water in the early morning, before the hot sun and wind prevent water from reaching the roots.
8. Improve sprinkler-system efficiency. Irrigation systems save on watering the lawn, but vary in efficiency. On existing sprinkler systems, install a rain sensor or a soil-moisture sensor so the lawn is only watered when the air or ground is dry. Insider's Tip: Check that your sprinkler is distributing evenly by placing plastic cups throughout the lawn.
9. Think beyond grass. Grass won't grow everywhere, so consider shade-loving ground covers, ornamental grasses, and plants instead. Insider's Tip: Put shrubs and plants with similar watering needs together.
10. Do a weekly walk-around. Check the lawn once a week for stressed plants and turf, bare spots, compacted soil, and signs of too much watering. Insider's Tip: Early morning is the best time to inspect.
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