Dispelling Lawn Care Myths

In honor of spring, we're dispelling some common lawn care myths so that our clients can get the best yards possible. Everyone loves to think they know what they are doing with their landscaping, but you may have unwittingly fallen prey to some of the myths out there. Hold off on those Miracle Grow feedings in the middle of the summer! If you want your property to be the talk of the neighborhood (for good reasons), then pay close attention to the following myth busters.

1. The best time to "feed" your lawn is in the fall, NOT the spring! If you seed in the spring, prior to the strong heat of the summer, you are asking for problems with seasonal dryness and weed growth. In the fall, temperatures are much steadier, and pesky weeds begin to die off.

2. There is such a thing as overwatering your plants! Studies show that plants can die from overwatering just as easily as they can from a lack of water. It helps to allow soil to dry to the point of dampness around the roots before re-watering. Keep in mind that some plants will require more or less water depending upon factors like the amount of sunlight they get, the number of plants around them, elevation, species, etc. Keep an eye on your plants and see how quickly they start to dry out. And remember, your plants may need a break from watering after a heavy rain.

3. Lawn clippings are actually good for your lawn! It was once believed that grass clippings could contribute significantly to thatch; however, a certain amount can actually help stimulate lawn growth. Since they are made up mostly of water and decompose quickly, lawn clippings provide a natural fertilizer that doesn't cost you a dime. Studies have concluded that up to one third of the fertilizer that you apply to the lawn can be reused again by leaving clippings on the ground.

4. "Smart Irrigation Systems" are totally worth the money to install them. For one, newer systems allow for smart technology. This means that you don't have to be home to turn on the sprinklers, and you also don't have to worry about the proper time to turn them off. Smart irrigation systems only allow for watering when necessary, and can offer a cost savings of approximately 1/5^th on water bills. Furthermore, by using rotating nozzles, these systems provide more effective watering, with larger droplets sprayed a bit more slowly.

So remember to set up those lawn sprinklers in New Jersey and save your seeding routine for football season; a healthy, great looking lawn is only a few steps away!