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. 

5 Landscaping Tips: Improve Your Lawn and Garden

Everyone loves a beautiful, manicured lawn; while it takes time and patience to develop it, there are always tips available in order to get the most out of your planning. Check out these 5 tips for creating a lawn and garden that will be the envy of all your neighbors!

 - Flowers Are a Winner 

Nothing appears more welcoming and pleasing to the eye than a beautiful arrangement of flowers on the front lawn. Cascade different breeds and types along the driveway leading up to the door, and if you desire, add several other areas within the lawn that achieve an "oasis" look of color and uniqueness.

- Add Different Heights 

Planters and hanging baskets can add an element that breaks up the straight-line look of an expected garden. Different dimensions can engage the senses, and plants that hang are able to get fantastic aeration and drainage, which means they should blossom.

 - Change Layouts Each Year

To add a fresh perspective to your landscaping, try to design and implement several different areas within the yard and rotate them each year. Not only will it be great for the soil, but the new layouts will only enhance the design of the yard.

- Use Walkways to Connect 

Have you ever seen a beautiful garden or landscape, yet you have to walk through a maze to basically get near it? One way to consider connecting major design points is to create walkways directly to those points. For example, slate stone could be used as a path, you could mulch a road between each area, and so forth.

 - Add Outdoor Seating

Standing and staring at a landscape can be quite tiresome; add a bench or some natural chairs to allow one to take in the beauty, enjoy the colors and experience the peace that flowers, trees and plants can bring. Your home in South Jersey can use irrigation as a means to obtaining a beautiful, lush lawn, as well as garden. Get ready for spring, and start planning the ultimate landscape!

Winter Lawn Care Tips

Fall is upon us and with winter just around the corner, now is the time to start preparing your lawn for the harsh and cold months.  Some homeowners don't realize the importance of prepping the grass for the following year, so take a look at these tips to get the most out of each blade!

-       Clean The Lawn

It is a disservice to your lawn when you end up leaving debris on it such as leaves, branches, toys and other items that can smother the grass.  Not only can debris create various diseases, but it can also invite other pests such as insects and rodents to the area, creating even more destruction.  Clear you lawn as much as possible!

-       Lower Your Lawnmower Blade

The last several times you mow your lawn for the year, lower the blade by a half inch to an inch.  Grass that is too long can be more at risk for freezing and thawing conditions. However, do not cut it so short that the crown of each blade is exposed; this can be just as damaging.

-       Create Spike Holes

Utilize a specific aerator tool or a garden fork, and spike holes throughout the lawn to allow for the surface to be aerated.   This is an excellent way to also improve drainage during thaws!

-       Fill the Holes

Once you create the holes, fill them with horticultural grain sand to prevent them from closing, and to allow both air and water to move freely throughout. 

-       Spread Dressing

Use a dry top-dressing and spread it over the remainder of the grass to help with drainage and to fill in any low spots throughout the lawn.  A rake works well to spread it evenly over the grass.

These steps will help your lawn to survive throughout the winter, and will ultimately make it ready for irrigation.  If you are in New Jersey, contact a professional lawn care and irrigation company to get the most out of each blade of grass!

Why Hire a Professional Landscaper?

Landscaping is an important aspect to homeowners who take pride in the outward appearance of their property. Maintaining a healthy lawn and foliage can be difficult for those who are unfamiliar with landscaping techniques – many things come into play that you may not have considered before including sun and shade, wind, and soil. Experts can tell you exactly what types of plants will do best in your specific environment and truly cater your landscape design to your needs. Landscaping takes a lot of time and hiring a company to do this for you will help save you time and frustration spent to keep your yard looking beautiful and tidy.

Landscaping as an Investment
Hiring a professional is important in increasing your home's curb appeal and is considered a wise investment, as it can add up to 15% to the value of your home. Professionals have the knowledge of the growth conditions in the region and will use materials and plants that will enhance the exterior of the home. Having a professionally landscaped lawn can transform your home exterior into a beautiful space that can be used to unwind and relax. 

From alluring ponds and fountains, to finding the right flowers for sun-deprived spaces, your landscape professional at South Jersey irrigation can help you discover tips and tricks for dealing with your yard's issues. Do you entertain? Host family? Hate mowing? No matter what your goals and your needs, there's a maintenance and garden plan for you that will suit your budget.

Contact Steeplechase Irrigation today at (856) 629-0990 to get a free estimate on any of your landscaping or South Jersey irrigation needs.