How to Get Greener Grass: A Guide for Homeowners
While you may think "the grass is greener on the other side", the truth is that the grass is greener where you care for it. If you want to have a lawn that you can be proud of, you have to make sure that it is being properly cared for.
Millennial consumers have become more health-conscious in how their existence affects the environment. In fact, the market for landscaping in the United States is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% by 2025. This is due to the younger households leaning towards landscaping activities to make sure that they could achieve a greener lawn.
Continue reading to learn how to get greener grass in your backyard with these lawn care tips.
Determine What Type of Grass You Have
You will likely see St. Augustine grass, Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, or Buffalo grass growing in your lawn in Texas. These grass types are more common in Southern states because they are known for thriving in warmer climates.
The type of grass that you have in your yard will determine how exactly you care for it. Sod installation a common practice in the DFW area.
Consider Sod Installation for Your Lawn
It's likely that when you bought your home, you had some ideas about how to get a green lawn. It's possible that now that you own your home, you are having second thoughts about your initial plan. If you are looking to start with a blank slate, you have the option to resod your entire lawn.
Installing sod gives you the instant gratification that you are seeking rather than waiting for your new grass to grow. You also don't have to worry about keeping birds and other small animals from eating your grass seed before it takes to the soil. Once the sod takes root, you will be able to do everything that you would with grass that you've grown from the seed.
Make Sure Your Lawn Is Getting Enough Water
If your lawn isn't getting enough water, it is going to look like your neighbor's lawns are greener in comparison. You need to make some changes to your lawn maintenance routine to make sure that your lawn is getting the appropriate amount of water to give it a lush, green appearance.
The weather in Texas is unpredictable. You never know when you will have enough rainfall to make sure that your grass is properly cared for. If you believe that your lawn isn't getting enough water from the rainfall, you may need to invest in a more controlled environment.
Landscape irrigation and sprinkler installation can help you to water your lawn deeply without overwatering it. It can be set on a timer to ensure that your lawn is routinely getting enough water or you can turn it on when you notice your lawn is looking a little worse for wear.
Mow Your Lawn Properly for Lawn Health
Make sure you are mowing your grass at the right height with properly sharpened blades on your lawnmower.
Be sure to adjust the height of your lawnmower depending on the time of year and how much rainfall you might be getting in your area. You don't want to cut the grass too short because that can cause several issues with having a green lawn.
Once the grass is mowed, leave the grass clippings where they lay. Grass clippings are beneficial to the health of your lawn. You should only mow your grass when it is dry so that the grass clippings don't clump together and smother your freshly cut grass.
Remove Thatch, Crabgrass, and Other Weeds
Thatch, crabgrass, and other weeks can kill your grass and your chances at having a nice, green lawn. You can learn to get rid of thatch and other weeds on your own, or you can rely on a professional to do it for you.
In some cases, you will be able to remove the patches of unwanted weeds by hand or with a handheld weeding device. You need to make sure that you are removing these weeds by the root to prevent regrowth.
There are both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide options for stunting the growth of these weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides can help you prevent weeds from growing on your lawn. If applied correctly, using post-emergent herbicides for weed removal can be safe and effective for yards that are completely overtaken by weeds.
Remember to Care for the Soil, Too
You can have every other step right, but your lawn will not thrive if your soil isn't in the best shape. Make sure to check the pH levels of your soil. If it is too acidic or too alkaline, your grass may not grow.
Fertilize your lawn as needed to ensure that your soil is getting the treatment it needs while ensuring that your grass is growing in the proper environment.
Another thing to consider is aerating your lawn when the soil compacts. With an aerator, you will be able to punch three-inch holes in the ground to promote growth and allow your grass to breathe a little better.
How to Get Greener Grass: When in Doubt, Hire a Professional
If you are struggling with the concept of how to get greener grass on your own, know that you aren't alone. When the average homeowner tries to get greener grass (without the help of a professional), they might not achieve the coveted green lawn.
At Hooplawn, you can count on us to get your lawn in the best possible condition. If fixing your current grass for optimal results isn't an option through traditional methods, we can always install sod.
Contact us today to get started on your dream lawn.
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