- Control Weeds<\/a><\/li>
- Dethatch and Aerate<\/a><\/li>
- Overseed<\/a><\/li>
- Fertilize<\/a><\/li>
- Prevent and Treat Lawn Diseases<\/a><\/li>
- Mow Correctly<\/a><\/li>
- Water Wisely<\/a><\/li>
- Control Lawn Pests<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Control Weeds<\/h2>
![\"Gloves,](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Weeding.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup from Vancouver, Canada<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The best way to control weeds is to take good care of your lawn. But weeds can invade even the most pampered lawns.<\/p>
You can hand-pull weeds as needed. That\u2019s one option. It\u2019s the cheapest way and doesn\u2019t harm the environment or local wildlife with any chemicals. However, if you find that you have a consistent weed problem, use herbicide.<\/p>
Pre-emergent herbicide<\/strong> will prevent grassy weeds like crabgrass from making their home in your lawn if you apply it before they get a chance to germinate. <\/p>
If you skip it and find you\u2019re dealing with way too many weeds, post-emergent herbicide<\/strong> can help you get rid of them.<\/p>
Before you use herbicides:<\/strong><\/p>
- Identify the weeds. Here’s a guide to the Most Common Weeds in New Jersey<\/a>.<\/li>
- Use the right herbicides.<\/li>
- Follow the herbicides\u2019 instructions on their labels.<\/li> <\/ol>
When to use pre-emergent herbicide?<\/strong> The best time to use it is between early- to mid-March.<\/p>
Dethatch and Aerate<\/h2>
![\"person](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Dethatching-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ingo Bartussek<\/a> \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Lawns tend to accumulate organic matter below the grass. This is called thatch. Thatch sized below half an inch is healthy, but anything above an inch is problematic. This is when you need to dethatch. However, a mild thatch problem can be solved with just aeration.<\/p>
What is aeration, you ask? That\u2019s another job you need to do. Over time, the soil may become compacted<\/a>. This makes it hard for grass roots to absorb nutrition, water, and air. You should loosen it up annually by aerating. Aeration involves removing parts of the soil and creating small holes. You can aerate after you dethatch<\/a>, or if your thatch problem is mild, just aerate.<\/p>
The best time to dethatch and aerate here is in the fall.<\/p>
Overseed<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Overseed-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jon Rehg<\/a> \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure> After you aerate, it\u2019s time to refresh your lawn with new seed. Overseeding plants new seed into existing turf, without tearing or disturbing it. It works great for enhancing your lawn\u2019s color and making it denser. Ensure you pick a grass that matches your current grass. <\/p>
Overseed within 48 after you aerate for the best results. You can lay a thin layer of compost on your grass before you overseed. Read more about overseeding in this guide<\/a>.<\/p>
When should you overseed? <\/strong>Overseed in the fall, after aeration.<\/p>
Fertilize<\/h2>
![\"Hand](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Vitalii<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Grasses need nutrition just like humans. Your soil may be lacking the nutrients grass needs to flourish. And that\u2019s where fertilization comes in.<\/p>
The first step is to do a soil test. A soil test will help you find out exactly what is missing in your soil, and how much you need to fertilize, if at all.<\/p>
You can test your soil at the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory. Their test prices<\/a> range from $20 to $90, depending on which information you want to know. You can also get a DIY soil testing kit, which provide some limited soil information.<\/p>
When you find out what fertilizer your soil needs, it\u2019s time to apply it. Follow these application guidelines:<\/p>
- Dethatch and Aerate<\/a><\/li>
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![\"sprinkler](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/lawn-sprinkler-2366751_1280.jpg\")
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