In some ways, maintaining a healthy, clean-looking lawn is a fairly straightforward task that most people understand how to approach. Regular mowing is needed to curb the overgrowth of grass and weeds. Frequent watering helps your healthy grass grow to a level that gives your lawn a vibrant green hue. Testing the fertility of your soil on a regular basis helps you understand the current condition of your lawn whether you’re on the right track in terms of caring for it.
Certain necessary aspects of adequately caring for your lawn, though, aren’t quite as simple or intuitive. Setting your lawn mower to mow high, letting grass grow tall, and leaving clippings behind, for example, may not be obvious steps toward a healthier lawn. These steps, though, are just one part of your overall path toward a more optimal lawn care plan that’s built to bring out the best in your residential green space.
All of these tasks are critical when it comes to optimal lawn care. That’s why in this blog post, we’re going to explain in further detail when you should test your soil’s fertility, why you should steer toward organic pest control options, the reasoning behind mowing higher and leaving clippings behind in your lawn, and why a professional lawn care service may be your best bet for getting all of this done the right way.
Know when to test your soil
Soil test kits are free and are your best bet when it comes to determining how much and what kind of fertilizer your lawn needs. Your fertilizer has a major impact on how your lawn will grow, but the risks go both ways, too: too little fertilizer and your lawn won’t grow as healthily as it should, but the same is true if you add too much. It isn’t just that the grass or other plants you want may fail to grow; you may end up feeding certain types of weeds instead.
You should test your soil every three to four years. Once you’ve identified the type and amount of fertilizer you need, follow the instructions on the package and apply it on a dry day in the fall to avoid potential runoff.
Choose organic options for pest control
Many homeowners choose chemical pesticide options when it comes to their lawn care. These pesticides can have toxic effects both for yourself, any pets you own, and any wildlife like birds or other animals that pass through your property. Chemical pest control isn’t your only option, though; there are effective organic solutions you can use to keep unwanted pests, like mosquitoes, away from your lawn.
You should also keep in mind, though, that you may not necessarily need to use pesticides as soon as you may think. They generally aren’t intended (or even effective) for preventative use. Determine the severity of any current issue you’re experiencing with pests in or around your lawn before using a pesticide, even if it’s an organic option. If you’ve decided to use a product, follow the instructions for applying it carefully.
Mow high and leave grass clippings
Setting your lawn mower to cut your grass a few inches off the ground allows it to grow relatively tall, which is beneficial for promoting grass growth and preventing weed growth. Clippings also help reduce your need for fertilizer by 25% or more by providing your lawn with nitrogen.
Find a professional lawn care service to get the help you need
You can ensure all of your lawn’s most critical needs are met the right way with the help of a professional lawncare service like Andora Lawn Care. Contact us now or schedule an appointment to learn what sets us apart from other services or to get started on getting our help caring for your lawn.
