We’re all plagued by lawn care problems from time to time, aren’t we? Even the best of us has dealt with some kind of unexpected weed invasion, pesky moles or the long term after affects of a severe summer drought. But who has the time for the all out effort some feel is required for immaculate turf? Not me. So here’s the lazy man’s way to a slightly imperfect yet perfectly lovely lawn.
First step is to stop feeding so much. Ladling on six pounds of nitrogen a year per 1000 square feet is like addicting your lawn to crack cocaine. Sure the blades look great. But the roots get lazy. So why not see if you can’t get by with no more than 3 carefully timed feedings during the growing season that total only three pounds per 1000 square feet?
Having weaned your grass from its nitrogen fix reward it with an inch of compost each year. This will inject life back into the soil. And in a couple two three years you’ll have healthier soil and grass.
Of course feeding less means you’ll be able to mow less. Besides, lawn care problems sometimes develop from cutting your grass to short. Unless you’re cultivating Bermuda grass which likes to be short let your lawn live a little. If you can let it grow to a tad over four inches. It will be better able to feed itself plus crowd out unwanted weeds.
Then by enabling your grass to better compete in the battle with the weeds next you can cut back on herbicide applications. And only spray when weeds start to get out of control.
And you’re right. Grubs and bugs rank right up there when it comes to lawn care problems too. But don’t take the popular “Spray First Ask Questions Later” approach. If you’ve got something eating your grass give your county extension service a call. Have them identify what’s bugging your lawn. Then apply the recommended insecticide at the recommended amounts.
Unless you live in the Deep South it’s doubtful that you’ve got serious thatch build up. So stop spending so much time dethatching imagined thatch that doesn’t exist at anywhere near harmful levels.
Finally accept a little imperfection. Get over the notion that your neighbors opinion of you depends on how your lawn looks. Besides, is it worth the effort it takes to get that perfect velvety green carpet you’re striving for? Or is it better to take the lazy man’s way out and only deal with lawn care problems that are, well, real?
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In Florida, most every one can afford a beautiful house. The only thing left to the owner is to put an identity to the place. He or she can make it look as desired, whether be it posh, elegant or charming.
It is best to give emphasis to the first part of the house that people will see, the lawn.
Getting the Perfect Lawn
Lawns can come in various types, forms, shapes and sizes. Each lawn has a style and character of its own.
There are lawns that boast of verdant gardens. They can be considered as great works of art and perfect as setting in the Florida environment.
There are some that resemble the old farm style. They are covered with grass and garden of weeds. The greens can be very relaxing and comforting.
Many other lawns can be seen out there that are groomed almost flawlessly. However, no matter what type it is, the most important matter to a lawn owner is to know how exactly to maintain and care for it.
10 Tips to Maintain and Care for the Lawn
Whether in Florida or in any other state, all it takes to keep the lawn beautiful is to maintain and care for it. Here are 10 tips to take into account:
1. Come Up with a Plan
Lawn owners should come up first with a plan. Identify what should be achieved by the project.
Ideally, any plan should be written down. This shall be your guide as you consider the options and endure the various obstacles in your sod endeavors.
Once the plan is laid down, you can easily decide on the other aspects of lawn maintenance. You will know the choices to make to care for your type of lawn.
2. Choose the Plants and Flowers
Plants and flowers should be chosen well. Pick one that will suit best the character you want your lawn to have.
It all depends on your type of landscape and personality. Bushy plants are ideal for those who want some coverage. Colorful flowers are best for people who like to keep it bright.
Be wary also of some plants that may damage your endeavors. Caring for the lawn requires certain caution from plants that can damage the soil or choke other shrubbery.
Dandelions and black medics or the yellow clovers may look good to the eye but their presence can actually affect the alkaline of your soil and even result to deprivation of other plants.
3. Grass It Up
Before planting any grass on your ground, research first on the best one available for your location.
It depends on where you live. There are cool season grasses that are ideal for the northern area and the arm season type that is good for southern plantings.
4. Aerate the Lawn
Aerating the lawn is a must to give a way for fresh air to the small life forms and the microbes under the soil. It also gives water a new course to take, preventing saturation.
Aeration is best done during springtime when the soil is still moisturized and the rains are not yet over.
5. Have the Right Chemistry
To achieve the perfect chemistry for the lawn, people sometimes have to add lime or iron to the soil. Grass ordinarily prefers acidic soil. Lime is perfect to bring down the acidity. Sulfur on the other hand will help increase it.
Seek a professional or an experienced gardener to test the acidity of the soil to know the proper option to take.
6. Use Fertilizer
Grass is one plant that utilizes much nitrogen. Make the soil rich in nutrient. Chemicals are out there but this can disturb the ecosystem of your lawn. Compost is a good way to enrich the soil.
7. Watering the Lawn
Regularly water the lawn to keep the shrubbery healthy. Invest on a watering system. You can choose from a sprinkler system, a hose or simply a gardener who would do the task.
8. Mowing the Lawn
Determine the proper schedule to mow your lawn. It depends on how fast and how thick your greenery grows.
Mowing will help you get rid of old part of the grass. It also encourages a deeper root system for a healthier soil environment.
9. Simply TLC
Of course, never forget to give the tender and loving care to your lawn. With this in mind, you can never go wrong.
10. Enjoy and Be Amazed
A lush and beautiful lawn is the first thing that any neighbor, visitor or a mere passerby will notice in the household. This alone shall speak of the industry and dedication of the owner to the welfare of his or her home.
Thus, the presentation of the lawn is crucial, especially for people living in neighborhoods like in Florida where households and residents speak of beauty and good life.
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Lee Dobbins writes for www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can learn more about landscaping and gardening. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins |