Spring, Summer and Autumn Lawn Care

Lawn care is more than putting in seed in the spring and watering through the summer. Proper lawn care in the autumn leads to a healthier lawn in the spring which in turn means less work. The roots that will support the grass next year develop in the autumn and they need to be taken care of right from the get go. Do some work in the cool days of autumn and you can rest more during the hot days of summer.

Autumn

Cut the grass taller than you would during the growing season. Make it no shorter than 2 to 3 inches tall. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn. Run the lawn mower over the fallen leaves turning them into mulch, but do not let it get over 1-1/2 inches. Give the grass a light dose of slow acting organic fertilizer. It is better to put on too little rather than too much. Have to soil tested to see what nutrients are needed. Have a professional do a core aerating on the lawn. This has to be done will special equipment. Use a rake to rough up the bare patches, give them a thin layer of compost and top off with the seeds.

Spring

Spring lawn care starts in late winter when it is time to make sure your lawn mower is in tip top condition. Taking care of a gas powered lawn mower is like taking care of a car- changing the filters, oil and spark plugs. No matter what type of mower you have, the blades will have to be sharpened. Pull any weeds as soon as they appear, before they go to seed and more show up. Give the lawn a good raking to remove any thatch that can do damage. Lay down a light layer of fertilizer. Check to see if any seeding is needed. If the seeds you laid down in the fall took well, you may not need to add any more.

Summer

Be careful how you cut the grass in the summer. It is better to mow more often, taking off only 1/3 of the height of the blades. Cutting too short leads to sun burn. Leaving it longer means weeds will not have a place to grow and the roots will become stronger as well. Give the lawn a good dose of water when it needs it. Shallow watering will make the roots stay at the surface. A deep soak makes them go deep down where they belong.

Sources:

Hobby Lawn Care

Popular Mechanics

The Green Man