Don’t have the time to research every and any aspect of what makes your lawn a success? That’s what I’m here for. Follow these six steps and you will be headed down the road toward greener grass.
Know Your Lawn.
What type of grass sits on your property? Chances are if you are in the greater Tampa area your lawn is St. Augustine, although other common types are Dwarf St. Augustine, Bahia, and Zoysia. It is important to know the type of your grass so you can cut it to the proper length, ranging from 2-4 inches; also, so you can take proper measures to make sure it remains as healthy as possible (to be further detailed).
Preventive for Chinch Bugs.
Chinch bugs are St. Augustine’s worst nightmare. They are typically known for causing damage near driveways, sidewalks, or other hard surfaces where heat can more easily build up. Amongst the options for treating them, any fertilizer that contains iron sulfate will work. If you are looking for a more environmentally friendly option, Neem oil is a less toxic alternative that has proved to be just as effective.
No Clipping Left Behind.
Raking grass clippings can be hard, and in many cases, unnecessary work. By leaving clippings on your lawn you not only save yourself some time, but also provide a natural mulch of sorts for the lawn to feed off of.
Let it Breathe!
Aeration is a great first step toward that picture-esque lawn that every homeowner dreams of. By coring out areas of your grass to the root, nutrients such as sunlight, H2O, and other natural stimulants can more accessible reach the part of the blade that really matters. Aeration is also a great prelude to other treatment options such as overseeding or top-dressing.
Water Correctly.
I know you don’t have time to come home and water your lawn in the middle of the day. Don’t fret, that is a good thing! It turns out that the optimal time to water your grass is either fairly early in the morning, when the sun rises, or near the end of the day, when it is setting. At these points of the day the temperature is usually the mildest and wind speeds are relatively low, in turn causing less water to be lost to evaporation.
Plant Accordingly.
If you plan on developing a flower bed or natural landscaping in your lawn, be conscious of what it’s needs are. Planting natives helps develop a more conservative ecosystem in regards to watering needs. It is also important to group those who have similar needs so that you are not over or under watering a certain area of your lawn.
Looking for lawn care? Check out our Tampa, FL lawn care page.
