The Secrets to Getting the Perfect Lawn in 4 Simple Steps

There’s no doubt about it, everybody wants the perfect lawn. The way the evergreen colour flourishes can truly improve the aesthetic of your property. It can help provide balance between walkways, porches, flower gardens, and other outdoor features. The question is, how does one grow and maintain the perfect lawn? Well, follow these four simple guidelines, and you can enjoy an extravagant lawn – all summer long!

1. Weed Control

There’s nothing quite like an infestation of weeds to ruin a lawn. Regardless if they are common weeds like dandelions or crabgrass, or more vicious ones like ivy or morning glory, chances are you want them gone.

Prevent the problem altogether by using a pre-emergent herbicide. This will stop the seeds from sprouting, effectively nipping the problem in the bud – before there is a bud to nip. The best time to use a pre-emergent herbicide in your lawn is during the early spring.

Now, let’s say you’ve missed the deadline to prevent the problem and weeds have begun to grow. Fear not, you can still eliminate them.  With durable gardening gloves, grab the weed by the stem as close to the ground as you can. Firmly remove the weed from the ground, bringing the roots along with it.

If your lawn is overrun with weeds, it may be wise to find a quality pesticide to control the weeds and bring your lawn back to life.

2. Mow Your Lawn

Mowing your lawn is essential to proper care. A raggedy edge can result in grass that appears to be a grayish brown colour, so keep it sharp. Always avoid mowing leaves and other debris by raking your lawn first, as these can wear down the blade.

Adjust the height of your mower to the highest one. You should only be removing about 1/3 of the grass each time you cut it. The time of year can help determine how frequently it should be mowed, which is about every 4-5 days in the early spring, weekly in the summer, and occasionally in the late summer.

3. Water Regularly

Your lawn simply cannot survive without adequate water. It should be receiving about 1 inch of water a week. If your lawn doesn’t receive this from the rain, then you’ll need to supply it. The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning, so that the sun can help dry the grass throughout the day.

You should water at two different times, especially in the hot summer, when the ground can become hard and baked from the sun. It can be difficult for the water to penetrate the soil, so with too much water, it can simply runoff and won’t water your lawn evenly.

If you don’t want to stand outside with a hose, try setting up a sprinkler or installing a sprinkler system. Place a small container nearby to catch some of the water, so you can measure later on with a ruler to ensure that your lawn received enough water.

Water conservation is extremely important. If you’re experiencing a dry spell or drought, conserve as much water as you can. Don’t worry if your lawn turns brown and brittle, a strong and healthy lawn can easily bounce back.

4. Consistent Nourishment

Using the right fertilizer can truly help your lawn to reach its full potential. Depending on your location and the time of year, the kind of fertilizer that you use may vary. In Northern areas, like in Canada and especially Southern Ontario, it’s recommended that you fertilize in the spring and fall.

For more information about the best time to fertilize, which fertilizer to use, and more about general lawn care, contact our experts at Legends Landscape in Burlington today! You can also inquire about the benefits of aerating, raking, and re-seeding.