Grass Planting and Care Tips for New Homeowners

For most New Jersey residents, having a lush, green lawn is just as important as keeping a clean, organized home. However, if you are a new homeowner with a lot of lawn space, you might be unaware of how to properly take care of it. Many homeowners in South Jersey find that irrigation services are an efficient and economical way to handle the watering, but what about planting the grass in the first place? In order for your lawn to flourish, you'll want to educate yourself on the basics:

• Soil – Before you put down soil, you'll need to plan what you want to do and get the necessary tools and supplies. First off, testing the pH of your soil is very important, as it will tell you whether your soil is balanced, acidic, or alkaline. This will enable you to take measures to adjust the soil levels and also to choose a grass that will grow well in the environment. You should be able to buy a test kit or meter in any hardware store. After that, you must get rid of any weeds and be sure that that the soil won't harden or clump up. When pulling weeds, make sure that you are getting the roots, as well, or many of them will grow back. You should rototill at least six inches to loosen any compaction and maximize drainage. Lastly, you need to pack down the soil and brush it over with a rake.

• Seeding – Using a carpet of sod is a simple way to get a great lawn, but it can certainly be expensive – especially if you have a large area to cover. It's better to seed the area by hand or by hydroseeding. Hydroseeding is a planting process in which you use a mix of a special blend of seeds, which are sprayed over the ground. With this process, you are guaranteed an even dispersal of seeds.

• Trimming – Once the grass has taken hold and grown sufficiently, you should consider the mowing height. Many people don't realize that trimming your lawn too short can actually be bad for the grass, but it can! It is recommended that you mow only the top third of the grass, as taller grass allows for better root development. It is also important to make sure the grass is shaded so that it doesn't dry out too quickly.

Now that you understand the basics, you should be on your way to having a beautiful lawn. Always remember that your grass needs sun, water, and fertilizer to thrive. Going forward, your best bet is to invest in the irrigation services offered by Steeplechase to ensure your lawn remains the envy of your neighborhood.