On Your Way to the Greenest Grass on the Block: 5 Essential Tips

Tip 1: Become a Soil Expert

To achieve the greenest grass, understanding your soil is the first step. Your soil's composition plays a significant role in the health and growth of your grass. We'll delve into soil testing, identifying soil types, and amending soil to encourage optimal grass growth.

Soil Testing

Start with a soil test. It's the gateway to a green lawn. A soil test helps you understand your soil's pH level, nutrient content, and other factors that impact grass growth. This knowledge assists in making informed decisions about fertilizers, soil amendments, and other treatments to improve your soil's quality.

Understanding Soil Type

Knowing your soil type is important when establishing your lawn. Different soil types have different drainage capacities, water retention, and nutrient-holding abilities. The most common soil types are:

• Sandy -- dry, loose, well-draining and predominantly made of sand. Sandy soils tend to have low levels of nutrients because water-soluble nutrients can easily wash away due to the soil's high drainage capacity. Great for grass that thrives in well-drained conditions, but it may need to be modified with organic matter or other soil types to support a broader range of grasses.
• Clayey -- refers to a type of soil that has a high proportion of clay particles.
  • Clayey soils are plastic when wet, which means they can be easily molded and shaped. They become very sticky to the touch and can be rolled into thin threads without breaking.
  • These soils have a low rate of water infiltration and a high water retention capacity because the small particle size leaves less space between them, reducing the flow of water through the soil.
  • Many clay soils expand when wet (as they absorb water) and shrink upon drying, which can lead to cracking. This property is referred to as soil expansiveness.
  • Clay particles can hold onto nutrients better than sandy soils, which can be beneficial for grass growth. However, the poor aeration and drainage can also pose challenges for some types of grasses.
• Loamy -- This soil is a type that combines sand, silt, and clay in relatively balanced proportions. This mixture creates a soil that is nutrient-rich, has good drainage, and retains moisture effectively, making it ideal for growing a variety of grasses. Loamy soil is often described as having a fine texture with a crumbly, soft feel. It tends to be fertile and easy to work with because it aerates well, allowing oxygen to reach plant roots while still holding enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The balance of sand, silt, and clay in loamy soil helps to prevent nutrients from being washed away with drainage water, thus providing a supportive environment for robust plant growth. This type of soil makes your lawn low-maintenance.

Which type of soil do you have? Find out and you’ll be on the way to establishing the greenest lawn in your neighborhood.

Once you've identified your soil type, you can make necessary amendments to create perfect conditions for your green grass to flourish.

With a good understanding of your soil, you're laying a solid foundation for a beautiful, green lawn.

Tip 2: Perfect Your Watering Techniques

Once you know your soil type, the next key to green grass care is mastering proper watering techniques. Sandy soil typically needs more water while clayey soil often needs less water.

Lawn Water Techniques

Here are three general key points to consider when watering:

• Watering amount: Your lawn needs the right amount of water to stay green. About 1 inch of water per week for loamy soil, including rainfall, is typically recommended. You’ll need more or less water depending on which soil type you have.
• Measuring the watering amount: To measure if you're watering enough, use a rain gauge or an empty tuna can.
• Best watering time: Watering your lawn early in the morning, ideally between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., maximizes your watering routine's effectiveness. This allows the grass to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease and fungus. Watering Bermuda grass near dusk typically helps that type of grass flourish.

Common Watering Mistakes

Avoid watering too frequently for short periods and using poorly calibrated sprinklers. These mistakes can result in uneven growth and potential dry spots. Instead, water less often but for longer periods to promote deep root growth.

By mastering these watering techniques, you're a step closer to the greenest grass on the block.

Tip 3: Mow and Maintain for a Green Lawn

Mowing and lawn maintenance are key to achieving a lush green lawn. Here are some tips for green grass care.

Choose the Right Mower and Blade Height

Mower Type

You can use a rotary mower for all grass types, but a reel mower works better for Bermuda grass. Reel mowers are more suitable for Bermuda grass because they provide a clean and precise cut. Choose a mower that suits your grass type, and set the right blade height.

Mower Blade Height

Different grass types require different blade heights for optimal growth. In spring and early summer, cut Bermuda grass to 1-2 inches. All other grasses should be cut to 2-3.5 inches. As the weather heats up in summer, extend grass length to 3.5-4 inches to keep the lawn from burning.

Allow the grass to grow 1/3 of its height before cutting. When grass grows quickly in the spring, you may need to cut it more than once per week.

Additional Mowing Tips

• Mow regularly -- regular mowing promotes healthy growth, prevents thatch buildup, and discourages weed growth. However, don't cut more than a third of the grass blade at a time to avoid stressing the grass.
• Avoid damage during mowing -- clear any debris from the mowing area before starting, change your mowing pattern each time, and never mow a wet lawn. These measures help prevent damage and ensure a well-maintained, green lawn.
• Keep mower blades sharp to avoid damaging grass blades.
• Maintain your mower in top shape so you can accurately control blade speed and mower speed for a clean cut.

Tip 4: Feed Your Lawn

Feeding your lawn is a vital part of green grass care. Over time, soil loses nutrients, which can result in less green grass. Early in spring, use a combination of fertilizer, which feeds your grass, and pre-emergent, an herbicide used to prevent crabgrass. Then, six to eight weeks later, apply both products again, along with a broadleaf weed killer. Many lawn care brands offer a combination of pre-emergent and broadleaf weed killer in one application, which will lower your cost and the time it takes to apply them.

Corn gluten, combined with organic fertilizer has become a popular alternative to using a chemical pre-emergent herbicide and fertilizer combination to help prevent crabgrass and other weeds. Corn gluten is also a rich, organic additive for the soil under your lawn. Additionally, corn gluten is safe to use around children and pets. Consider using corn gluten combined with fertilizer instead of a chemical herbicide/fertilizer to treat your lawn in early spring.

Using a quality lawn fertilizer can help replace these nutrients and improve your lawn's health. The type of fertilizer and the timing of application can vary depending on your grass type and your soil's condition. Generally, early spring is the best time to fertilize your lawn.

Tip 5: Deal With Weeds and Pests

Weeds and pests can be a real menace to your green lawn. Even if you use a an herbicide or corn gluten in early spring, regular weeding helps keep your lawn in top shape. You can pull weeds by hand or use a spot weed killer.

When dealing with pests, it's best to identify the type of pest and treat accordingly. Common lawn pests include grubs, chinch bugs, armyworms, and sod webworms. Each pest has distinct signs of damage and requires different management strategies. Use insecticides specifically labeled for the pests you are targeting. Always follow the label instructions for safe and effective use.

Remember, a green lawn is more than just a visual pleasure; it's a testament to your dedication and hard work. With these 5 tips for getting the greenest grass on the block, you're well on your way to a lawn that makes your neighbors green with envy.

If you need assistance tuning up your riding mower, don't hesitate to reach out to Sears Home Services for professional maintenance service. We're here to help you achieve the green lawn you desire.