About Lawn Care & Maintenance

Preparation

• Adequate preparation is a key ingredient of successful lawn care. Before you plant your lawn, have your soil analyzed at your university extension. A soil analysis will alert you to any potential problems with nutrient or pH levels and allow you to treat your lawn before planting seed. Thatch, weeds and disease are a few common lawn problems that can be prevented with proper preparation. Other preparation steps include weeding the area thoroughly, working the soil with a rotary tiller and applying fertilizers or other soil amendments to adjust nutrient and pH levels.

Selection

• Choosing the right seed for your lawn is another important element of growing success. Before making your selection, always consider the traffic level of the lawn as well as soil type and climate. An inappropriate selection may result in unnecessary maintenance as well as soil erosion, weeds and weak grass. Some kinds of grass seed, such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, do better in sunny, open sites, whereas others, such as fine fescues, will tolerate shady areas.

Watering

• Specific watering requirements vary by grass species and your soil type. However, a few general practices always benefit lawns. Always apply enough water to fully penetrate the grass root zone. You can use a soil probe or a shovel to find your lawn's root zone. Sandy soils usually require more frequent watering than other soil types, such as clay or loam. Water the lawn slowly to avoid runoff. The Colorado State University Extension recommends applying enough water to soak into the soil, then applying the rest an hour later. If the lawn appears wilted, or if footprints remain imprinted in the grass for a long period of time, your lawn probably needs to be watered.

Mowing

• Proper mowing frequency and height are crucial elements of an attractive, healthy lawn. Lawns should never be mowed lower than 2 inches in height, since shorter lengths may result in lower drought and heat tolerance, as well as increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Lawns should be mowed at the same height throughout the year. Never remove more than one-third of the grass height in one mowing, and let the grass clippings stay in the lawn if possible. Grass clippings are a free source of organic matter, which improves the overall health of the lawn.