Tips & Tricks when doing Lawn Maintenance and Lawn Care yourself.
Posted on February 24, 2023 by Myles
1. Product Application
There are organic fertilizers made up of natural products and there are synthetic fertilizers which are man-made and consist of mineral deposits and synthetic compounds. To promote consistent growth, the natural amount of magnesium, calcium and sulphur in the soil may need to be replenished. Potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus are to be replenished routinely in order to achieve a healthy, beautiful lawn.
Both the quality and ratios of elements in fertilizer play a huge role in your lawn's results, along with the type of fertilizer being applied, amount, turf type and timing of application.
Beware that some in-expensive, over-the-counter fertilizers may improve the appearance and colour of your lawn for a short time, and perhaps not the health of the root system. This leads to fluctuating results, poor summer drought resistance and high vulnerability to insect damage. Furthermore, an aggressive surplus use of fertilizers containing too much nitrogen, as well as excessive watering can upset a lawn's ideal pH level, create yellow grass, and even mould (appearing as white powder).
Soil Amendments
Quality soil tests determine the type and quantity of lime one applies to help balance the acidity of a turf, based on it's pH level. It also reveals mineral deficiencies in the soil.
Different turf types require different acidic levels to achieve the richest, greenest appearance possible.
If your lawn's pH level is significantly 'off', applying fertilizer and water won't do much good for the lawn.
It's best to perform a soil test before applying any product(s) to your lawn. Successful lime applications help yield a more desired pH level if you have many leaves, compost, or sand on your property. Nearby, large trees increase the speed of water drainage, which accelerates the cycle and depletion of notorious.
Applying the correct blend and quantity of grass seed can revamp a 20+ year old lawn quickly, providing its applied at the correct time and receives the proper amount of water. A lawn in poor condition may also benefit from adding some top soil (top dressing) along with seed and the correct 'starting' fertilizer.
If grass seed goes under the optimal temperature to germinate, it may go dormant and not re-germinate. Over-seeding helps thicken your lawn, fight disease, insects and grubs, and yields consistent appearance.
2. Lawn Mowing
Important factors to an even, consistent cut:
1-Correct deck levelling
2-Sharp mower blades
3-Proper tire pressure in all tires
4-Correct mower for your property
Deck Levelling
Quality mower decks have 4 corner threaded adjustments. With the engine turned 'off', the mower deck should be frequently inspected and adjusted on a flat surface.
Fresh Blades
Blade sharpening should be left to a professional with the proper tools and safety equipment to do the job correctly. Depending on your grass type and its length before you cut it, mower blades generally need to be sharpened or replaced after 12 hours of use, maximum. Dull blades are taxing on your mower's engine, fuel and oil consumption, belts and pulleys. Tearing the grass rather than cutting it leaves the tips looking brown or 'burnt.'
Tire Pressure
Incorrect tire pressure will have a similar negative impact as incorrect mower deck adjustment. Tire pressure decreases in colder weather and increases in warm weather. If a tire is old, cracked or incorrectly installed on a dirty or rusty wheel, it will leak in due time, so check them all. Remember that a large tire can be under-inflated by 10lbs, yet still appear to spec.
Mower Size
The ideal mower is determined by your lawn's size and difficulty level. If your lawn includes hills, embankments, ditches or obstacles, a small mower may work best. If you have a large, flat lawn with fewer obstacles, a bigger mower may be more suitable. Properties in Hudson and St. Lazare will generally benefit from a medium sized mower and will yeild a nicer job. Very large mowers will create lawn scalping when mowing an uneven turf.
*More Valuable Mowing Tips:
-Mowing a lawn too short can accelerate the growth of weeds;
-An inconsistent mowing schedule always causes weeds to grow and promote crabgrass;
-Continually mowing in the same direction can cause divots (ruts) in a soft terrain. Change your direction frequently;
-Sharp turns or mowing too quickly can tear up a lawn, while wearing out tires and transmissions. Be safe, never rush;
-Always wear the appropriate hearing & eye protection while operation equipment;
3. Hedge Trimming & Property Trimming
It's important to stay on schedual regarding the trimming of plants, bushes, shrubs, cedar hedges and ornamental trees.
Light to medium trimming throughout the year is acceptable, however, any major shaping to correct a plant or hedge's overgrowth can promote irreversible damage. The minimum trimming frequency recommended is once per season.
All clippings should be disposed of in a timely fashion as clippings will eventually suffocate the grass and can hinder parts of a lawn, similar to piles of leaves that aren't attended to. Pruning, thinning, and elevating ornamental trees regularly significantly helps promote sufficient air circulation, good health, and a tidy appearance.
Similar to mowing blades, hedge trimmers and shears should be regularly sharpened by a professional to ensure a clean job. Dull trimmers will cause brownness/ discoloration to the plant. It's a great idea to hire a professional if you don't feel comfortable using a hedge trimmer, or cannot safely and comfortably access what you are planning to trim.