10 Things You Don't Know About Lawn Care

Dec 22nd 2016

Gainesville Lawn Maintenance

When people imagine their dream home, they picture a lush, green lawn in front of it. In order to obtain this lawn, you must learn how to properly care for it or hire an experienced landscaping company to do it for you. Getting the perfect lawn requires a lot of time and effort. Here are several critical elements your lawn needs to reach its full potential.

1. Change Mowing Patterns

People enjoy routines; we like to figure out what works most efficiently and then continue to do it. In most scenarios, that works well, but with your lawn it can be detrimental. When you continually mow your grass in the same direction, the grass will begin to lay a certain way that will make it appear uneven in some places. Change your routes and alternate directions periodically to prevent this from happening.

2. Irrigate Deeper and Less Often

Some owners prefer to water their lawn for a shorter period of time more frequently. However, when you do this, your grass will develop shorter roots that make them more susceptible to disease and allows weeds to grow easily. Instead, Gainesville lawn care companies recommend that you water for longer periods of time once a week. Your grass will develop deep roots which will help make it much more resilient to pests and droughts.

3. Cut Grass at Proper Height

Common sense tells us that if you cut your grass shorter, it will take longer for it to grow back but this is not true. Your lawn will grow in the same amount of time and will benefit your grass in multiple ways. Longer blades will have deeper roots, prevent soil from drying out as quickly and prevent weeds from getting as much sunlight. Set your blades on the highest setting and, at most, only cut off three-fourths of the total length at a time.

4. Control Weed Growth

If your grass is healthy enough, it will prevent troublesome weeds from being able to grow. Normal mowing practices will also chop off the top of longer invaders such as dandelions and crabgrass. While many use herbicides they contain harsh chemicals. Instead, ask your Gainesville lawn care about natural alternatives.

5. Aerate in Fall and Spring

Over time, your grass and soil can become compacted so that soil is unable to get the water, nutrients and sunlight necessary to thrive. To prevent this from happening, you can aerate your lawn by using a tool that pokes holes in the soil.

6. Only Mow When Grass is Dry

You may be tempted to mow your lawn, but it just rained. What is the harm? When your grass is wet, the blades on your mower may slip and cut your grass unevenly. Additionally, wet grass will clump and not be able to decompose properly.

7. Use Sharp Mower Blades

Even if your mower is still cutting your grass, your blades may not be sharp. Dull blades will cut individual spades of grass unevenly and cause it to turn brown. For an even, manicured lawn, make sure your lawn service in Gainesville, FL sharpens their blades frequently.

8. Fertilize Your Lawn

At least twice a year, you will want to provide your lawn with needed nutrients. Preferably, you will want your lawn care company to use a fertilizer that contains sulfur, copper and iron.

9. Apply a Layer of Compost

Use compost to spread a thin layer about ¼ inch deep over the surface of your grass. It contains bacteria, fungi and organisms that reverse soil compaction, naturally fertilize your lawn and aid the structure of the soil.

10. Hire a Gainesville Lawn Care Company

The most important factor to ensure your lawn is properly taken care of is by hiring the best lawn maintenance company. Evergreen Lawn Care provides superior service in Gainesville. We sharpen our blades daily and use our wealth of knowledge to keep your lawn looking its best. Our team is prompt, reliable and friendly so you can trust us to do the hard work while you enjoy the benefits of a healthy and beautiful lawn.