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Get Your Hands Dirty
Tips for a Healthy Lawn
Summer is off to a slow start with heavy rains pushing spring into June, but now that the sun is making a more regular appearance in the Valley, it’s time to really think about keeping your lawn healthy. Local landscaping company Whitehead’s Landscaping has offered up some easy and useful tips for keeping your grass green in this mountain desert climate.
1. Back to Basics
After a long winter, dry grass and detritus can cover your lawn, preventing the soil from absorbing water and nutrients for the roots. Thatching and aeration are the two things you should do in the spring/early summer to help your lawn reach its potential. Thatching is the process of raking up all the dead grass and leaves on a lawn, even if it thins out your grass. Aerating allows more air and water into the soil to help improve nutrient absorption.
2. Go Green
Most commercial lawn-care products are petroleum based, and as a result grass is “addicted” to the products and can’t grow well without them. Given the rising cost of petroleum and growing concerns about the environment, switching to organic fertilizer will both save you money in the long run and help your lawn to sustain its own beauty.
3. Get Tested
A basic soil test, which can be performed by Whitehead’s Landscaping, will determine the nutrient and mineral content of your soil. All lawns are not equal, and knowing where your grass is lacking can help you customize your lawn-care regimen.
4. Grow it Out
Longer grass holds moisture better and needs less water, as well as creates more shade for the roots so they don’t lose water as fast. Put the mower away for a few more days and just enjoy the lemonade.
5. H2O
It may seem like we’ve got a lot of rain in the Valley recently, but our arid climate dries up any moisture making conservation the name of the game. First of all, know your neighborhood and city ordinances regarding water usage so you conserve what is available to all. Water your lawn in the evening or at night to reduce water loss due to evaporation. Also, watering less often will help your grass grow deeper and stronger, making it more impervious to the heat.
6. All about Organic
Using chemicals on your lawn isn’t good for anyone: your pets, your children, your neighbors, your health, and your water. Organic materials are non-toxic and safe and stay in the soil and don’t get carried into the water system.
Following any of the above tips can help you start off summer with a green, healthy, eco-friendly lawn. You’ll save money, time and stress and your home will thank you for it. For more tips, visit Whitehead’s Landscaping online or call for more tips,
Photos Courtesy of Whitehead Landscaping
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Reader Comments:
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