The Best Way to Make Lawn Green

The best way to make your lawn green is to employ a variety of pro lawn care strategies. They work together to amplify your lawn’s health, resulting in thick lush grass.

Mowing is a simple task that can actually have a major impact on your lawn. Not all grass types thrive at the same height, so it’s important to know how to mow your grass correctly.

Fertilise

To keep your lawn healthy and green, it needs a steady supply of nutrients. Fertilize regularly with a granular or liquid fertilizer that is compatible with your soil type.

When using a rotary spreader, calibrate it to deliver a consistent rate of granules. Begin at the edge of your yard and walk the spreader in straight lines around the perimeter, similar to a pattern you use when mowing. Make sure to keep the hopper chute open between passes.

If you have recently reseeded your lawn, consider using a fertilizer that has a high ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus for rapid leaf growth. However, wait until the seeds have established roots before fertilizing them again.

Liquid fertilizers work quickly and are absorbed by the grass, but they need to be reapplied frequently. Granular fertilizers, on the other hand, are absorbed more slowly and only need to be applied once or twice per season. Avoid applying fertilizer to wet grass, which can cause nutrient burn.

Aerate

The lawn is a lot like the food we eat, it needs a balanced diet in order to thrive. Nitrogen is one of the main nutrients for a green lawn but don’t overdo it as this can lead to disease and yellowing of the grass. Adding slow-release fertiliser on a seasonal basis is best. However, if your lawn needs a little snack between meals then use Lawnsmith soluble fertiliser as it doesn’t contain nitrogen and will improve the colour without extra mowing.

Aerating is important and the most effective method is to use a core aerator (which has hollow metal tubes or tines that remove plugs of soil) rather than spike-type tools that just poke holes into the ground (compacting the areas around the holes). Aerate in the fall, prior to fertilizing your lawn for best results. Aeration also helps loosen the soil so the fertiliser can get down deep into the roots. The more loose the soil, the better your grass will be at holding moisture.

Mow

A thick green lawn starts with a properly sharpened mower blade. If you have a large yard, consider investing in a self-propelled mower that will save time. If not, invest in a sharpening kit and have your blades regularly sharpened.

It’s important to keep in mind that different grasses grow to varying heights. Cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass prefers to be mowed short, while warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine prefer a higher cut.

To save time, you can use a circle pattern when mowing your lawn. However, this can be tricky around obstacles such as flower beds, trees and sheds. A better approach is to use a double spiral pattern, which makes it easier to maneuver your mower around objects and will also match the cuts you make when mowing round the edges of your garden. If you want a very quick green-up try a dose of iron (ferrous sulphate) mixed with Lawnsmith soluble fertiliser during a mild winter.

Weed Control

Weeds compete with grass for water, nutrients and the sun’s rays, so getting rid of them is key to a healthy lawn. Hand-weeding is the best defence against annual broadleaf weeds like dandelions, especially before they flower and spread their seeds. Choose a strong tool that will dig deep into the root and make sure to pull the entire plant or it will grow back. Annual aeration also helps reduce weeds by starving them of the oxygen they need to grow.

Providing a layer of mulch around planting areas cuts down on weeds by keeping them from touching the soil. Organic mulches retain moisture and break down to enrich the soil.

Soil scientists aren’t exactly sure why this works, but weed seedlings seem less likely to sprout when they encounter a fresh infusion of well-rotted compost or other organic matter. This simple strategy is a good addition to your weed control arsenal. To really boost the effect, work the soil and reseed bare spots with grass seed at night to further reduce weed growth.