Spring hasn't arrived quite yet, but it's just around the corner, which means that it's time for homeowners to start thinking about getting their lawns into top shape for spring. A lush green lawn increases the curb appeal of homes for sale and boosts the overall appearance of a community. Whether or not you plan to sell, following these tips will make your lawn healthier and your home more attractive.
Keep off it until it's dried out. If your lawn has spent much of the winter under a heavy snowpack, walking on it before it has had a chance to dry out could kill your turf grass by further compacting the soil.
Give it some air. Once it has dried out, though, you should consider aerating the soil, as all that snow and heavy foot traffic both compact the soil and prevent air and nutrients from reaching your grass. The easiest way to aerate the soil is to walk on it with aeration shoes - spiked rubber soles that you strap onto your regular shoes. These create narrow holes in the soil that allow air and nutrients to penetrate without removing your lawn grass. If your soil is densely compacted, however, you may need to use a rotary spike lawn aerator to open up the soil.
Nourish it for a head start. After you've prepared the soil, spread a thin layer of compost on your lawn to boost nutrient levels. Be careful not to apply too much - the grass still needs exposure to air and sunlight.
Clear out the dead grass. When your lawn is dry and the last freeze has passed, give your lawn a buzz cut to remove dead blades of grass. Set your lawnmower to its lowest height before mowing, and don't forget to remove the dead grass afterwards.
Fertilize the lawn if needed. When, whether, and how much to fertilize depends on where you live, the amount of nutrients already in the soil, and the specific nutrient needs of your lawn's grass. To determine your soil's nutrient levels and needs, purchase a test kit from a local hardware store or garden center. Then fertilize your lawn if needed. Northerners should fertilize once in the spring and once in the early fall; southerners should fertilize as soon as the grass starts growing vigorously.
Written by Sandy Smith
For HULIQ.com
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