Property owners know all too well the constant need to maintain it through the seasons, no matter the size, location, or nuances of the landscape. With rare exception, one of the most integral components in this process is weekly lawn care.
Beauty in the Blades
Mowing is perhaps the most important aspect, as this is typically required on a weekly basis. Done correctly, the goal is to ensure the long-term drought tolerance and thickness of your lawn over the course of the year. The spring season may necessitate more frequent maintenance (four- to five-day cycles) due to an escalation in growth.
As a general guide, one-third of the height of grass blades should be removed with each cutting; they can be left a bit taller in the summer months to provide increased shade on the soil and slower water evaporation. Grass left too short will ultimately lead to a poor root system and place unnecessary strain on the blades. Be sure to alternate direction with each cut, as repetition can lead to compacted soil and the creation of ruts over time.
Cutting when grass is dry is preferable, as wet clumps tend to clog mowers. Regular mower maintenance is also necessary to avoid dull, jagged blades, which can leave lawns susceptible to pests and disease.
With each season comes an evolving collection of lawn maintenance tasks to be attended to in a timely manner.
- Spring is an ideal time to dethatch and aerate in an effort to revive weak lawns, especially in those areas prone to higher foot traffic.
- Summer is a crucial period to carefully monitor watering cadence, increasing frequency to mornings and early evenings to ensure proper hydration.
- Autumn is the preferred season to reseed patches which require a refresh, and to fertilize as needed to promote spring flourishing.
- Winter, though typically a dormant time, can still impact your lawn’s long-term growth potential, especially if the ground remains frozen for protracted periods.
Weeding & Seeding
Weeds, while a common nuisance, may be avoided through the application of pre-emergent weed control early in the growing season, serving as a lawn vaccination of sorts. Crabgrass is an early summer gauge of weed growth, though it’s important not to apply any weed prevention substance at the same time as seed, to avoid negating its effect.
Fast-release fertilizer is recommended during the spring and autumn seasons; however, a slow-release approach is preferable for summer in order to avoid burning the lawn and causing potential long-term damage to its growth.
Overwatering should be avoided, summer months aside, with a cadence of once every three days ideal for most temperate climates. Mornings are best, to avoid both peak sunshine during the afternoons and lingering excess moisture in the evenings, which can encourage disease.
Dodds & Eder provides weekly lawn care as part of its full suite of property management services. Contact our veteran staff of professional landscape maintenance and design professionals to plan your project today.