Keep These Lawn Care Tips in Mind for a Lush Lawn
Worried about your state of affairs when it comes to lawn maintenance? At Diversified Services, we’re committed to helping customers cultivate lush, beautiful lawns. As the Metro East’s local lawn care and landscaping professionals, we think it’s important to educate the community on ways that they can keep their lawns in the very best conditions. However, there’s no better way to keep your lawn green than by hiring the professionals at Diversified Services to ensure your lawn achieves optimal growth throughout the spring and summer. Read on for helpful lawn maintenance tips to keep your lawn growing strong!
Mowing Best Practices
Mowing the lawn is about as routine as it gets when it comes to lawn care. During the summer months especially, people from the Midwest can be mowing the grass twice per week, depending on the weather. Additionally, we recommend keeping grass lengths at around 3 inches for best growth. Anything shorter than 2.5 inches is damaging to the grass and its roots.
Should I bag grass clippings?
We don’t recommend bagging your clippings unless there is an excessive amount. By mowing often, you limit the number of clippings. Helpful nutrients are depleted when you remove clippings from your lawn.
How often should I water?
You shouldn’t water if you don’t have an automated sprinkler system. Once you water, you must repeat the practice regularly throughout any dry spells to avoid damage to the root system and expensive treatments to restore your lawn. Call Diversified Services for an irrigation system that will do the work for you!
Midwestern Fertilization & Weed Control
When it comes to fertilization Nitrogen is the best choice to get the most out of your lawn. This leaches out faster than other fertilizers (phosphorous and potassium), and we recommend between 3 – 5 pounds per year. When fertilization treatments are purchased from Diversified Services, we apply about 1 pound per application.
When should I apply weed killer?
Pre-emergent should be applied in the spring for crabgrass and other weeds. The sooner you can apply, the better as weeds become active when the ground temperature reaches 55 degrees. However, you can apply a post-emergent weed killer, but, beware this may hurt the grass in temperatures above 90 degrees.
When Should I be seeding?
Those that seed in the fall between September & October see the best results; seeding in the spring must be done so with pre or post-emergent weed killer to allow the seeds to grow. Furthermore, different grass seeds need different conditions to grow best, and it’s always a good idea to consult a professional before making any decisions.
What grass grows well in the Metro East area?
In the Metro East, we recommend Fescue, Perennial, Ryegrass, and Bluegrass.
What is Core Aeration?
Aeration is the removal of small cores of sod from your lawn to allow water and fertilizer to reach the roots, which results in longer roofs, thicker turf, and better tolerance to drought and stress. This is one of the best things you can do for your lawn, and it should be done in the Fall. When done in the Spring, this facilitates better weed growth…..and nobody wants that! Call a professional to ensure this vital lawn care practice is done correctly.
What’s the optimum soil pH?
pH should be between 6 and 7. If pH levels are too acidic (under 6), the grass won’t grow strong. Likewise, pH levels that are too basic (above 7) will also cause growth issues. Watch the pH level for mossy areas, areas with heavy shade, and areas under evergreens. Contact a local professional for soil testing and tips on how to rectify pH problems.
What about my trees & shrubs?
These should be properly maintained at least once per year. For trees, limbs should be trimmed to the proper length according to the size of the tree; when left hanging too low, they can affect the growth of the lawn. Additionally, Shrubs maintain a thicker and healthier canopy when trimmed regularly.
Luckily, the professionals at Diversified Services are to ensure your grass grows long and strong. Call our staff with any questions or to inquire about any services you need to be provided at your home or business!