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!

Proactive Ways to Repair Winter Lawn Damage

While there are many ways to prepare your lawn for the winter weather in New Jersey, it can still take a toll. The low temperatures, heavy snow, and common deicers like salt can all make your grass look thin, diseased, and dead by the time that spring rolls around. Here are our professional tips for repairing your lawn after the cold has finally passed. 

Figure out what caused the damage

Before you try to fix your lawn, you should find out what caused the damage. Was it the salt, heavy snow, ice, etc.? In addition, look for non-chemical ways to fix the issues and prevent them in the future. 

Remove dead material

You should remove any dead material from your yard to aid the growth of new grass. Some light raking and weed pulling will both promote a healthy lawn. 

Fix any patches on your lawn

The winter weather can often leave patches of dead grass but, fortunately, there's a quick and easy way to repair these spots. You can use grass seed and scatter it over your lawn along with a light layer of weed-free mulch, or for a faster fix, you can patch with sod. 

Fertilize, fertilize, fertilize
 
Your lawn is craving food, sun, and nutrients after the harsh winter and fertilizing will help it to grow big and strong. There are many different fertilizers available, but you should make sure to choose one that has a balanced nutritional value. 

Water your lawn regularly

You should also make sure to water your lawn regularly. Since summer will be here before you know it, you should make sure that your NJ lawn sprinkler is installed correctly and working before it gets too hot.

Don't mow your lawn right away 

When the grass starts growing on damaged areas, resist the urge to cut it right away and when you do, don't cut it too short. Remember, spring has just arrived and your grass is only just able to grow again, so give it some time. Shorter grass is more susceptible to sunburn, and the last thing that your recovering lawn needs is more damage. Your grass should be three to four inches tall, and you should only mow it when it reaches over 30 percent of the height you'd like. 

At Steeplechase, we pride ourselves in offering the best practical advice to our clients, as well as the finest service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the healthiest lawn.