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Top 10 Tips For Healthier Lawns

We've all heard the saying "The grass is always greener on the other side", but sometimes it really does look like your neighbour's grass is greener than yours. Between the bare patches, brown spots and weeds you just want to give in and cover it all with gorgeous brick patio stones. Don't give up; here are the top 10 tips to help you have the greenest and healthiest lawn on the block.

1. Leave the clippings on the lawn by using a mulching mower. First, it saves time since you don't have to empty bags or rake the lawn. Second, the clippings will add back nitrogen to your grass, so you won't have to add as much fertilizer to it.
2. Fill in holes in the spring. Not only is an even lawn easier to maintain, but it also looks healthier. After filling in the holes with soil, spread grass seeds over the patches and water thoroughly. It is easier to do this in late spring, before the sun becomes too strong.
3. Use a slow-release fertilizer. Always follow the directions on the bag as to when to add the fertilizer and how much to add. Adding too much fertilizer can burn the grass, but you won't see any results if you add too little.
4. Mow your law in different directions each time you cut it. If you always follow the same route, the wheels of the lawnmower will form ruts over time.
5. Only water once a week. Avoid watering your grass in small, frequent amounts. Instead, give your garden and lawn a thorough soaking once a week. This will encourage longer roots and a healthier lawn.
6. Allow the grass to grow 2-3 inches tall. The sun will easily burn shorter grass, creating those dreaded brown patches. Grass that is longer than two inches provides much needed shade to the root system, making it easier for the roots to find water.
7. Use drip-irrigation and soaker hoses. They are more efficient then sprinklers, which loose a high percentage of water to wind evaporation.
8. Control the weeds. Don't let the weeds control you. There is three parts to weed control. The first part is applying a general herbicide over the whole lawn, so the weeds won't grow to begin with. The second part is pulling out any weeds you can see. The third part is eliminating bare patches, where weeds will thrive.
9. Keep your lawnmower blades sharp. Sharp blades cut easier, while dull blades give a rough cut, which can leave your grass prone to disease.
10. Protect your lawn during the winter months. While the ground may be frozen, you still need to be careful. Walking on your grass during the winter can cause damage, so limit how much you are on it. Also, avoid using salt on nearby roads, as the salt is toxic to most grasses. Instead, use sand or sawdust, which will work just as well as salt at de-icing.

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