Lawn Care Tips for New Homeowners

Living

Going from an apartment to a home can feel like a huge leap. Not only do you suddenly have more space, but you’ve also got responsibilities you never had before. Namely, lawn care.

Unless you’re experienced in it, lawn care can feel like an impossible task. What are you supposed to do? How much care does it really need? Here are some lawn care tips to keep your new home’s lawn beautiful and green for seasons to come.

1. Pace Yourself

It’s so easy to go head over heels when it comes to your lawn. If you do, though, you’re only going to wear yourself out. Instead, pace yourself and focus on the most critical projects first. Does the lawn need new sod to cover patchy areas? Maybe it could use some edging and a good mow first. No matter what your unique situation may be, taking things slow will benefit you in the long run.

2. Level the Playing Field

Is your lawn uneven or angled? See what you can do to level it. In addition to the fact that uneven spots are difficult to mow correctly, they can also make it difficult to set up furniture or yard games outdoors. To help level the space out, use high-quality soil to fill in depressions in the ground and hire a landscaping expert to cut away raised ground and then cover it with fresh sod.

3. Aerate the Grass Regularly

Aeration is an essential step to ensuring your lawn stays healthy and green. For best results, you’ll want to aerate your lawn in the fall and again in the spring. In addition to reducing thatch, a good aeration strategy can also improve your lawn’s nutrient absorption capabilities and promote new root growth.

4. Don’t Over-Fertilize

More is better, right? Not when it comes to fertilizer. This is especially true in the spring, when the lawn is already growing rapidly, and too much fertilizer can easily damage the roots. Instead, fertilize the grass lightly in the summer. This will help promote existing growth and keep the space green during the warmer months.

5. Don’t Over-Water in the Spring

Springtime lawns can be confusing things: they look dry and thirsty, but overwatering can easily kill them. Instead of drenching your lawn when it’s still chilly and damp, wait until the weather has turned dry and warm. Withholding water during the cool spring months will only force your lawn to become stronger and grow deeper roots.

Lawn Care Tips Everyone Can Do

While lawn care can seem like a gargantuan task, these simple tips go to show that it’s not as difficult as you might think. By avoiding the temptation to overwater the lawn, leveling uneven ground, aerating the space, fertilizing it right, and taking smart steps toward a better space, it’s easy to become a lawn care master in no time at all.