To have a healthy, beautiful lawn, it’s essential to learn the basics of grass maintenance. Lawn mowing is only one aspect of keeping grass healthy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge, you can find a lawn care routine that works for you and your home.
To help, here are some basic lawn care tips:
Test the soil
The more you know about your soil, the better prepared to care for your lawn you’ll be. Use a lawn test kit to find out essential information like pH and mineral content. It’s also helpful to take and maintain separate samples of problem spots, like bare patches or areas especially prone to weeds.
Choose the right grass
Choosing grass well-suited to your region will ensure a happy, healthy lawn and fewer issues for you to deal with. Know the differences between warm season grasses and cool season grasses, and take the layout of your yard into consideration as well.
For example, Kentucky bluegrass is ideal for shady gardens and cool climates, while Bermuda grass flourishes in hot, sunny climates.
Feed your lawn
A well-fed lawn is a healthy lawn. Providing your grass with regular doses of nutrient-rich, slow release fertilizer will ensure your lawn can resist weeds, pests and weather changes. Consider using organic matter from your compost pile for a low-cost alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
Water wisely
For a healthier lawn, water deeply but not too often. If you water too frequently in small amounts, your lawn will develop shallow roots and become more vulnerable to drought and pest damage. New grass seed needs plenty of water to flourish, but an established lawn only needs watering once a week during the growing season.
Whether you’re new to lawn care or just want to learn ways to improve your yard, these basic maintenance tips will help you achieve your goals.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
