10 tips for a healthy lawn
Begin with healthy soil
A good lawn starts from the ground up. Proper soil preparation will minimize future weed problems. Adding compost will improve the water-holding capacity of sandy soils and open up air spaces in compacted clay soils. Nutrients and essential micro-organisms in compost help get the growing process off to a good start.- Remove thatch
In the spring, remove excess thatch with a heavy rake or de-thatching equipment. This helps to open your lawn to water, air and nutrients. - Mow high
Mow your lawn to about 6 cm (2 1/2 inches) to encourage better root growth and moisture retention. Keep your blade sharp! Your lawn will recover quicker if the grass is cleanly cut. - Mulch your grass
Use a mulching mower and leave your grass clippings on your lawn. This provides a great source of slow-release nitrogen for your lawn. - Water the roots
Proper irrigation gets to the root of the matter. Water only when your lawn is showing signs of wilting. Early morning or early evening are the best times to water, minimizing evaporation. Too much water starves your lawn of oxygen and invites disease. Lawns require only 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week. - Develop a tolerance
A few weeds or insects won't harm your healthy lawn. Before pulling out the pesticides, try improving your lawn and doing some occasional hand weeding. - Let your lawn breathe
It's a root awakening! Aerating your hard, compacted soil helps get water, nutrients and oxygen to the roots. Aeration is best done in the early fall before overseeding and top dressing. - Top dress and fertilize
In early fall top dress your lawn with a thin layer of compost or topsoil. You can also add grass seed to your lawn now. Using compost or slow-release fertilizers will help promote vigorous lawn growth next spring. - Crowd out weeds
Healthy lawns are less susceptible to weed problems. Overseeding your lawn every fall keeps your grass thick and chokes out weeds. - Low maintenance plants
Trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers and wild flowers promote biodiversity in your yard. Consider other plants for ground covers in shaded or dry areas. Periwinkle and lily of the valley have it made in the shade while creeping juniper and thyme have fun in the sun.
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Last updated: Friday, February 19, 2010
Page ID: 2676