Lawn Care Tips and Techniques
When is the best time for seeding & re-seeding?
September is the perfect time for seeding your lawn to ensure a lush, healthy one for next spring. Seeding in now gives enough time for the seeds to root themselves and become well established just after the hot summer heat has passed and right before the harsh winter sets in. Seeding during the summer and spring can be risky because your soil will likely dry out and make germination very difficult. Hotter temperatures and high humidity on the Cape encourage the growth of lawn fungi. The lower soil temperatures also keep weeds out while promoting grass growth.
What can aerating & dethatching do for my lawn?
Lawn maintenance should not just end with the summer; it is critical now too and we recommend aerating and de-thatching this fall. Aerating is the process of puncturing small holes into the lawn to help root development. This procedure helps the roots “breathe” by allowing moisture and air into the soil. De-thatching is a process by which a machine is used to remove all the built organic material (i.e. dead grass) on the surface of the lawn’s soil. It’s really important to remove this otherwise the root system cannot properly absorb water and other nutrients.
How important is fertilizing and when is the best time for it?
Fall is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn to ensure a thick and healthy one for next spring. Thicker, greener grass equates to a more resilient lawn that’s resistant to disease and draught. late season (October or later while your lawn is still green) is when grass root activity is going strong and fertilizing in the fall will help produce a strong root system to endure the harsh winter months.
You will oftentimes see the formula 5-10-5 on complete fertilizers, which represents nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium respectively. These are the three key ingredients in most fertilizers. Nitroggen stimulates grass blade growth, while phosphorous helps root growth, and potassium assists with proper nutrient absorption. We rcommend adding 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. In late October a fertilizer formula promoting root growth is key, so a fertilizer ratio of 13-25-12 would be ideal (with more phosphorous). Organic fertilizers are another option to consider. They consist of composted material like plant and animal waste; they work well but are often pricier. Sources: www.thisoldhouse.com and www.greenviewfertilizer.com.
April or early spring is also a recommended time for applying fertilizer to your grass to halt the growth of any crabgrass and weeds. If you have moss problems you may consider using a fertilizer with a moss-killer included too.
A spring feeding will perk up your lawn and improve its color and appearance. A “slow-release” fertilizer formula is best because it will release nutrients over time as opposed to dumping everything into the roots at once. As the nutrients release, your lawn’s root system will fill in any sparse areas where weeds would have liked to germinate.
If weeds and crabgrass are a problem for your lawn year after year, then fertilizing should be paired with applying pre-emergent herbicides. This should be annual early spring maintenance for you. Pre-emergent herbicides are a proactive approach to fighting weed growth. Before the weed seedlings can even emerge, a “shield” is put up by the herbicide preventing any germination. It’s weed control at it’s best!