Everyone wants their patch of grassy paradise, regardless of what season. Many lawn care hacks can help achieve and maintain this green paradise, and some of these hacks are reserved to be done at the right time. Find out lawn maintenance tips best done for each season and keep that thick, vibrant lawn all season long.
Winter
For bluegrass or fescue lawn grasses, early winter is the best time to prepare for a healthy, lush, green grass come spring. Fertilize these cool-season grasses before the first freeze. Fertilizing will replace the nutrients the soil lost during the summer months and will keep the lawn’s roots fed all winter long.
In places where winter provides snow cover, this is the best time to avoid walking on the grass. Heavy blankets of snow will put pressure on the grass and can cause brown or dead spots. If heavy snow is expected, clean up the lawn beforehand. Remove leaves, toys, and debris that can smother the grass. Have a clean driveway and footpath all winter long to avoid foot traffic on the lawn.
Spring
Snow during the winter can make lawns compacted, reducing the nutrients that can reach the root of the grass. Aerating the lawn annually can combat compacted lawns. And an ideal time to do this is during the spring season. Two main aerating tools one can choose from are spike aerator and plug aerator. A pitchfork can also work in a pinch for simple aeration.
Spring is also the ideal time to sow grass seeds. The cooler temperatures of spring provide a great environment for the new blades of grass, and the frequent rain showers can speed up the germination process.
Summer
If there’s time to fertilize cool-season grasses, then there’s also time for warm-season grasses. Grasses like zoysia and Bermuda grow strongly during summer and needs nutrients. Fertilizing them will provide nutrients for these grasses as they hit peak growing season.
A lawn maintenance Houston-based company also advises aiming for taller grass during summer when drought is prevalent. Taller grass shades soil, reducing water and also preventing weeds from invading the lawn. Knowing more about the types of grass and their best grass height can produce better results that can help keep lawns green all summer long.
Fall
Fall means fallen leaves on the lawn. This carpet of colorful autumn leaves may look nice, but it can form an impenetrable mat, suffocating the grass and also causing fungal diseases. Thus, it’s best to remove fallen leaves from the lawn as soon as possible using a rake or a lawnmower fitted with a vacuum system. Just be sure to remove the leaves before it turns sodden from rain and morning dew.
Fall is also the time to dethatch the lawn. Thatch layer is made up of roots, dead grass and debris that over time accumulate on the surface of the soil. Just like a layer of autumn leaves, this thatch layer prevents air and water from reaching the soil. Power dethatchers are available in the market, but a simple dethatching rake can do the job.