Now that the outdoor season is quickly approaching, it’s time to get the backyard in shape, ready for barbeques, parties, games, and the all-important Sunday arvo nap in the sun. However, there’s more to keeping your lawn lush and healthy than just watering, and knowing how to care for your lawn properly will mean a better chance of survival through the harsh summer months.
Here are our top tips for a luscious lawn:
- When to water?
The best time to water your lawn is in the morning, when it is not too hot but there is still sunlight available for the grass to absorb the nutrients. If you water during the day, the water may evaporate before the grass has a chance to absorb it, while if you water at night there is no light available for the grass to effectively use the water, creating dampness and disease.
- How to train your lawn
It is easy to believe that the more water, the better, but this is not the case! Watering your lawn too frequently will result in shallow roots that don’t absorb and store water effectively, and a lawn that won’t survive a harsh summer. Instead, train your lawn to develop a strong, deep root system by soaking it 2-3 times a week.
- Let your lawn breathe
Like all plants, grass needs plenty of oxygen. The easiest way to aerate your lawn is to poke holes in it with a garden fork at 15cm intervals to allow it to breathe. This will help the grass absorb water more deeply, and save you water by preventing run-off.
- Don’t mow too low
You may think that the shorter you mow, the longer you’ll need to wait to mow again, but mowing too low can kill your lawn. Raising the cutting height of your mower will ensure that the grass is long enough to protect the roots, and will dry out less easily.
- Keep an eye out for weeds
Coating your entire lawn with weed killer can be damaging. Instead, keep an eye out for weeds and remove them when they pop up. This is the most effective method of weed control in the long run, so be sure to keep an eye out for stray weed seedlings.
Maintaining your lawn well means less work for you in the long run, so you can get back to those Sunday siestas!
