To the beginner, undertaking improvements to that square of green out the window is an daunting prospect, so here’s some lawn care 101 for beginners from the team at Daleys Turf.
The key for the beginner is to take a deep breath, put down the lawn tools and focus on mastering the basics.
If you’re not one of the lucky one’s with a green thumb or if your summer job wasn’t mowing lawns; here are a few basic rules to follow to get that lawn looking lush in no time.
Mowing Matters
Your mower is your friend. Three mowing factors to consider are: lawn height, your equipment and mowing frequency.
Sharp mower blades are essential to a cleanly cut lawn. Dull blades will only lead to the leaf blade being torn rather than cut which is unhealthy for your grass and ugly to look at as well. A trip to your local mower shop once a year for a total check-up of your mower and its blades is essential for a great looking lawn.
Don’t be tempted to undertake that extra Sunday mow, cutting your lawn as close to the ground as possible will cause stress to your lawn. A general rule is to never mow more than one third of the blade length at a time.
In summer many lawn types will require more frequent mowing, so sunscreen, hat and protective footwear is a must!
Watering 101
Taking care to water your lawn the right way will pay dividends to the long term health and appearance of your lawn. Investing extra in a sprinkler and soaker hose will give you an advantage in completing a consistent and deep watering session every time.
Rainwater goes a long way to assist in watering, so in many cases your lawn only needs watering in dryer and hotter periods.
If your lawn is looking wilted, it could be dehydrating, it’s best to water in the morning or early afternoon for up to an hour. Watering for longer periods less frequently encourages drought tolerance, avoids over-saturation and is better for the environment. It’s always important to check and follow any water restrictions in your area.
Dreaded Weeds
Searching online is an easy way to identify which weeds you have. Daleys Turf weeds section is also a good place to start.
Depending on the weed it may be best to carefully remove the weed by hand (taking care not to spread the seeds) or using a selective herbicide to coat the leaves. Before applying herbicides make sure to read the label and apply only to the weed itself.
Fertilising Facts
Grass varieties can either be cool or warm season, which means they grow in either the warm or the cooler months. If you decide to boost your lawn with fertiliser it’s best to apply it during your lawns growing period. Check the instructions carefully as some fertilisers require much more watering in than others.
Consider investing in a spreader, this will be a more accurate and faster method than spreading fertiliser by hand.
Looking after your lawn is simple when you know how. With a small investment in time and research you too can achieve a healthy looking lawn to be proud of.
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