Like people, our grass needs to be nurtured in order to reach its full potential. If you’re looking for greener, lusher grass, then consider these three tender loving care tips that will spruce up your lawn.
There’s dirt, and then there’s good dirt.
Test your soil. The dirt beneath your feet is the life source for everything that grows upon it, so it should always be your starting point. Soil tests can be completed by a professional, or by using a do-it-yourself kit available at most local garden centers.
What you want to look at is your soil’s pH level—pH meaning “potential hydrogen.” You may remember your high school science teacher talking about the pH scale as a way to measure a plant’s ability to attract hydrogen ions.
When we’re talking about pH in your soil, we’re talking about the balance of acid and alkaline within it. 7.0 is considered neutral, whereas anything below that number measures acidic and above it is basic or alkaline. The goal is to have neutral or near neutral soil so that plants can easily absorb nutrients.
Near neutral range would be anywhere between 6.8 to 7.2.
Break it up a bit.
Aerating your soil will de-compact it, allowing water, nutrients, and oxygen to flow through the soil easier. This provides a healthier environment for your grass and plants, and is especially helpful if you’re planning to put down new seeds.
Aeration is best done using an aerator. An aerator pulls small plugs of soil out of the ground, breaking compact soil apart and opening it up to absorb more moisture and nutrients.
Weed out the intrusive and unwanted.
Weeds are invasive in nature and can make a yard look shabby or unkempt. Crabgrass and dandelions are especially stubborn and may require the use of herbicide in order to get rid of them.
However, you have to be careful, as certain herbicides can kill grass seeds, stunting new growth. Start with manually digging up dandelions from the root and disposing of them first.
If that doesn’t work, contact a specialist who can help determine which herbicide would work best for your lawn.
Contact Blue today to turn your business or home property into a beautiful haven. Simply give us a call at 239-566-2583.