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Lawn Care
Decide on which type of lawn you want, what would suit your property best? The trend is now towards creating a natural, informal lawn. One that can still be thick and green but that will also attract wildlife, birds and butterflies. A healthy lawn provides many benefits. It will keep air temperatures cooler in the summer, like other plants, grass draws carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and gives off oxygen.
Key Points For Selecting the correct grass type.
Climate: Check which variety can withstand extreme heat and cold, and wet or dry conditions.
Amount of Sunlight: Most grass types require full sun, at least 6 hours per day, to stay lush and green. If your lawn receives less than 4 hours use a grass that is best suited to shade.
Use of Lawn: Consider how your lawn will be used, traffic from children playing, or is it mainly a show piece?
Special Factors: Deep shade, steep slopes and rocky areas can be difficult and time consuming to maintain. Think about adding native plantings or natural pathways in these areas.
Soil:Make a quick test of your soil. With a small shovel cut a small piece of sod about 4"deep. The soil should be soft and crumbly. It should contain a dense patch of healthy blades and a worm or two.
If your piece of sod is dry and has compacted, dead roots you will need to improve your soil conditions. Rake your grass first and remove any debris left from over wintering. You will need to apply a quarter inch of compost or top soil and rake into your lawn. Add topsoil and reseed, remembering to water thoroughly.
Lawn Repair:If you have brown patches of lawn, that are not caused by traffic, children playing or consitent walking on, then you have an insect problem or disease. If this is a huge problem you will want to treat your lawn with the least toxic method first. Remember that runoff from lawn chemicals can be a serious threat to the environment. As well as being harmful to pets, children and wildlife.
It is best to repair your lawn in early spring, so the grass will have longer to develop deeper roots and be more healthy. Choose a seed that is the same as, or as close to what you presently have. Most grass seed are a mixture. In our Canadian climate you would use a cool climate grass seed, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, perennial rye and fescues. These start to grow in early spring and stay greener longer into the fall. Remember that when our Canadian summers reach 80 degrees F and above, the grass will go dormant and the blades will turn brown. It has not died! As the temperatures decrease the grass will continue to grow again. For this type of lawn it is best to fertilize in late spring, to give the grass food to survive through the summer and long winter.
Seed Preparation:Loosen up your soil to 5 inches if possible. Sprinkle the seed generously over the area. Water thoroughly, if you have any straw mulch lay this over the seeded area. Continue watering as the seed germinates and grows, Keep the area moist. Once the grass has sprouted and is growing well, rake up the mulch. Allow the grass to become established before you start mowing, and when you do mow, leave this area longer to allow the grass to develop a good, strong root base.
Lawn Clippings: Leaving your clippings on your lawn provides a natural fertilizer, and helps keep a moist base, allowing your grass to stay greener, longer. This will save you time and money, not having to buy fertilizer and spread it out.
Watering:If your footprints stay on your lawn for more than a few minutes you need to water your lawn. On average it is best to water your lawn 1" per week in the early morning. Watering in the evening promotes diseases.
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