Helpful Lawn Tips

Watering

Without water there would be no life. Surely, this must means water is one of our most valued resources, yet, most lawns with automatic irrigation systems are overwatered. Money down the drain. (please excuse the pun)

Consider this:

• Most springs your lawn doesn’t need supplemental water, spring rains bring green grass, until late may even early June.
• Your irrigation contractor started up your system in April, set the schedule and left the system on…. Turn it off, for now
• Some stress is good. Push your lawn. Exercise those roots. Make it work. First signs of drought stress is a very recognizable blue tint with curled leaves and a tell tale footprint when normally the grass would spring back up. Now add the water
• When you do add water, treat each zone independently based on soil types, slopes, sun and wind exposure
• Water only in the early AM. Any other time requires maintenance and supervision only a golf course superintendent can offer
• Water thoroughly, enough to soak to a 4-6” depth. Careful, don’t allow surface run off
• Water infrequently. It may be several days before you need to add more water. Look underground, use a spade to check depth of soil moisture
• Every Summer is different. Some summers irrigations systems aren’t required more that a few times
• Now enjoy the benefits. Responsible use of a precious resource.
  
  • Reduction in turf diseases
  • Reduction in shallow rooted weeds, BENT GRASS!
  • Healthier Turf
  • Huge money savings!
  • Questions? Call us were happy to help.

Mowing

Proper mowing is your most sure fire way of obtaining a weed-free, dense, great looking lawn.

• Always keep mowing blade sharp.
• Set your mower as high as it will go. The higher the better. 3 ½ to 4”. As high as you can stand it. The longer the leaf the healthier the plant
• We just can't stress it enough, without leaf surface that plant will die
• Mow often. Trim the top of the leaf. “If you cut a tree at half its height it will die” Grass is not different. You’ve got millions of plants, but why thin out your lawn. Grow to 4 trim to 3”
• Sharp blades. Sissors would be nice…just not practicle. Reel mowers are great, but again we’d need that superintendent. Rotary mowers cut grass on impact at best. Dull blades tear at the plant. Try a steep angle on blade it will last longer than a shallow one.
• Cleaning the underside of the mower is a good idea. This aids in the flow of grass while being cut, especially with a mulcher. Also may reduce the spread of some types of turf disease under specific conditions
• Mow when the grass free of moisture
• Recycle clippings. Mulch. Don’t bag. If this creates some windrowing of clippings or clumping try waiting the afternoon for those clippings to dry out and mow again in the opposite direction. This beats raking, and you are returning organic matter to the soil. If possible mow more often.