It doesn’t take weeds, or even pests, to spoil a landscape. Sometimes, people foil their own efforts to cultivate gorgeous lawns and gardens. In most instances, it’s not because they start to neglect their outdoor chores. I mean, sure, that does happen every now and then. After all, it’s summer, and most people would rather be cooking burgers on their grills, hanging out around their picnic tables, and relaxing in their Adirondack chairs and porch gliders, than doing yard work.
However, that’s not the main problem; and it’s usually not that they’re doing all the wrong things, either. Actually, it’s more likely that they’re doing the right things, but too often, or too infrequently. For example, many people over-water their lawns. This prevents the roots from growing far enough into the ground, which causes them to get tangled up among the blades of grass, and form a mat over the soil.
That’s not a good fashion statement, as the well-coiffed lawn is not sporting dreadlocks this year. It’s also a waste of water. The best thing to do is to water deeply, and less frequently, giving the lawn about an inch of water each time. An easy way to figure out how long it takes to reach that amount is to set an empty tuna can on the grass, then run the sprinkler until it fills to the top. Just don’t fall asleep in your hammock or swingbed when you’re supposed to be timing this, or you’ll have to start all over.
You may find that watering only once or twice a week will be sufficient. So, before you water, make sure that your lawn truly needs it. To determine whether or not it does, simply walk across it. If the grass springs back into place, it’s in good shape; if it stays compressed in your footprints, it could probably use a drink. Another way to tell is to push a screwdriver into the ground; if this is difficult, it’s a bit too dry. Color is also a good indication, as thirsty grass may develop a slight blue tinge.
While watering less is a good way to get a healthier lawn, mowing more often will also help, as it will force the grass to grow thicker, enabling it to crowd out more weeds. Just be certain that the mower’s blades are very sharp, so that they can make clean, even cuts. This is important, because ragged edges make the grass more vulnerable to disease.
Furthermore, split ends are not in style for lawns, either; and neither is the close-cropped ‘do. If you cut the grass too short, it will need more water and herbicides, and become difficult to manage (and they don’t make mousse for grass). Although the ideal length will depend upon the type of grass that you have, as a rule, you shouldn’t cut off more than one-third of its height at a time. That’s referred to as scalping, and it takes awhile for grass to recover from it (besides, it’s a really bad look). Mowing it higher will make its roots grow deeper, increase its immunity to disease, and decrease its need for water.
Naturally, when the weather is extremely hot, you should take breaks whenever necessary. Keep a pitcher of ice water or lemonade on an outdoor dining table, and enjoy a glass as you rest on a patio chair.
If your lawn is wet, don’t mow it, because the blades won’t be able to cut sharply enough. Moreover, it will compress the soil and crush the roots, so they won’t be able to breathe. Then, the grass will die, and your lawn will develop bald spots.
And – you guessed it – baldness is not in vogue for lawns, either!
Yours Outdoors,
Kathy
Tags: adirondack chairs, grills, hammock, outdoor dining table, patio chair, picnic tables, porch gliders, swingbed
