Easy Lawn Care Help

Water

• Watering is one of the most important factors in caring for your lawn. Despite this fact, there is not one set requirement for watering, as grass type and location determine watering requirements. In general, cool-season grasses require approximately 1.5 inches of water per week, whereas warm-season grasses can thrive on very little water. A rain gauge will monitor how much water the grass is receiving in a certain period of time.

Water Application and Frequency

• You need to water until the water reaches the root zone. Dig a small hole in the lawn to see how deep the roots go. For example, if the roots go down 4 inches, you need to water the lawn until the water moistens the first 4 inches of soil. Depending on the type of soil that your grass is growing in, you will have to alter the frequency of your watering. For example, a sandy soil needs to be watered more frequently than a loamy soil. Also, you should aim to water after the sun has set or in the morning. The ideal watering time is between 10 p.m. and midnight or between 8 and 9 a.m.

Fertilization

• Send a sample of your lawn to a local university extension center. The center will be able to test the nutrients in your soil and determine the best fertilizer for your lawn. If your soil is well balanced, then fertilize once a month with a well-balanced lawn fertilizer. If your soil is lacking important nutrients, then supplement those nutrients with a fertilizer. For example, your soil may be phosphorous deficient, therefore you will need to fertilize with a high-phosphorous fertilizer.

Mowing

• Mowing requirements vary depending on the type of grass that you are growing in your lawn. Generally, you should mow your grass when it is between 2.5 and 3 inches in height, but check with your grass' particular requirements, as they may vary slightly. If you mow your grass too often, it may decrease its heat and drought tolerance. Also, don't wait so long to mow that you have to remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade. If you have to remove that much of the blade, you can cause stress, which can damage and even kill the grass. Allow the grass clippings to be recycled by the lawn. They will provide important nutrients for the new grass.