Yard Lawn Care

Overview

It would be difficult to find a homeowner or gardener who doesn't want a lush, healthy lawn. But to get one and keep it that way, some routine tasks must be done. And even with the best effort, weeds, pests and diseases are still a possibility. Yet homeowners should not be overwhelmed by all there is to do to care for a lawn: Just get to it and keep at it.

Fertilizing

Develop a lawn-fertilizing schedule according to your grass type and its needs. Gardeners should have their soil tested to determine which minerals a lawn needs, which is essential in selecting the proper fertilizer. The growing season of the grass and climate in which it is grown should also be considered when creating a fertilizing schedule.

Mowing

Much more than a weekend pastime, properly mowing a lawn is paramount to its health and growth. Mowing grass properly means cutting it at the right height, which will vary from one type of grass to the other. Each grass type has a recommended cutting height, and it is best to cut at the higher end of the range.

Watering

Newly seeded lawns require frequent watering to become established, and then watering can be tapered off. For new and established lawns, early morning watering is best. Gardeners have a number of options to perform this routine maintenance---from common oscillating sprinklers to in-ground sprinkler systems.

Weeding

While some grass types, such as zoysia, are known for being good weed deterrents, gardeners should prepare to spend some time tending to weeds that grow in lawns. Once a lawn is established, homeowners should watch for signs of weeds, which can grow in both warm and cool months. Once weeds have been identified, they can be controlled with either natural or chemical products or pulled by hand in areas with a small amount of growth.

Pests and Diseases

For every type of lawn, there are pests and diseases to go along with it. An infestation of fire ants or white grub are common enemies of a healthy---and safe---lawn. Like weeds, pests can be managed either with chemical or natural products. Some of the most common diseases that plague lawns are brown patch, snow mold and dollar spot. Aerating and improving irrigation are effective in ridding your lawn of these diseases.