7 lawn care hacks for great-looking grass

Does your lawn need a makeover? If you’ve got more weeds than grass and unsightly bald patches try these lawn care tips to get, and keep, a lush and beautiful lawn.

Photo Credit: iStock.com/ singjai

Enthusiastic lawn owners often overwater their grass, unknowingly starving the roots of essential oxygen. Watering your lawn deeply, but not frequently, is the key to promoting the growth of a healthy root system. Water with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water once per week. Leave an empty tuna can on the lawn to help measure how much water the lawn has received. Shut off the sprinkler when the can is full.

Never mow when the grass is wet (after rain or when morning dew is present) as this can bring disease to the lawn. Mowing your lawn during the heat of the afternoon sun can also put undue stress on your grass. Opt for late afternoon (with its accompanying shade) or the cooler temperatures of early evening, and don’t rake up the clippings. A light layer of grass clippings decomposes quickly, helps slow water evaporation, and prevents weeds from germinating. Sharpen your lawnmower blade annually for best results.

Even if you’re diligent about lawn care, thin or bare spots still happen. For small repairs, purchase grass seed that’s appropriate for your light level and soil. Sprinkle seed generously in the area you want to regrow, then cover with a light layer of topsoil or compost. Lightly water, and keep moist while the seeds germinate. Alternatively, purchase a prepared lawn repair mix. Resist the urge to mow the new growth until it reaches 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall. Patch larger areas by laying rolls of new sod.

It’s best to apply fertilizer when grasses are most actively growing: in spring and fall. The spring feeding helps root development, while the fall feeding helps repair summer damage and prepare grass to survive winter. Space a few light feedings out during the growing season. Follow package instructions to avoid damage caused by overfertilizing.

Thick grass will help prevent weed seeds from germinating and keep weeds out of your lawn. Before you break out the herbicide, make sure you have a regular routine of aerating and over seeding the soil to encourage a lush lawn. Weed by hand occasionally, and tackle crab grass when it’s young but don’t sweat the arrival of some inevitable weeds, such as clover.

When considering using insecticide or fungicide to tackle a pest problem with your lawn, remember that birds, spiders, worms, and beneficial insects all play a role in keeping your lawn healthy. They aerate the soil, prey on pests, and add many nutrients to the soil ecosystem. Anything you apply to your lawn could harm these essential species. Grass that is longer and thicker will prevent many pests from invading the lawn and may reduce or eliminate the need for pesticide use.

If lawn care just isn’t your thing, there are many companies that offer their services to mow, fertilize, aerate, and control pests and weeds. They can also help prevent lawn disease and improve the condition of your soil. Research and compare the types of programs and prices offered in your area. Avoid programs that apply pesticides to healthy lawns. If you have children or pets, look for services that are organic or pesticide-free. Not sure where to start? The YP search engine can help you find lawn care professionals near you.