10 Tips For A Greener And Healthier Lawn

Keeping your lawn green and healthy can be a challenge, especially for busy homeowners–not to mention the triple digit heat in the summer. However, with the right approach (and a few tips from us), your lawn can be the envy of your neighborhood. Here are 10 ways to help your lawn stay greener and healthier all season long.

1. Start with the right grass seed. Different types of grass thrive in different climates and soil conditions, so it's important to choose the right grass seed for our climate here in southern Utah. The best type of grass for the Cedar City area is a Bluegrass blend, but for St. George and the surrounding area it's best to use Fescue.

2. Water your lawn properly. Overwatering or underwatering your lawn can both be detrimental. Aim to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, providing enough moisture to reach the roots but not so much that it causes runoff or puddles. You should aim to water your lawn for 15 minutes per zone (if the sprinkler heads don’t rotate), or 30-45 minutes for rotor sprinkler heads. This can vary depending on the size of your lawn, and the temperature. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning or late at night, when the temperature is cooler and there is less evaporation. To read more about watering best practices, check out our watering guide. 

3. Mow your lawn regularly. Regular mowing is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. Grass that is cut too short can become stressed and more susceptible to disease, while grass that is allowed to grow too long can become matted and prone to weeds. Aim to mow your lawn at least once a week, cutting no more than one-third of the grass blade with each mowing. Read our mowing guide here.

4. Fertilize your lawn. Fertilizer provides the nutrients your lawn needs to grow strong and healthy. The most common nutrients included in fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Different types of fertilizer are designed for different times of the year, so it's important to choose the right fertilizer for the season. Hiring a lawn care company that specializes in fertilization can help ensure you’re using the right product at the right time. But, as a general rule, it's best to fertilize your lawn in the spring and fall. Read our fertilization guide here.

5. Control weeds. Weeds can quickly take over a lawn if they are not controlled. A good way to think about weeds is that your lawn has a limited amount of water and available nutrients. If weeds start taking those nutrients and water, your grass and other plants will start to starve. There are many different types of weed control products available, but we recommend 24D based products for most lawn weeds. 24D offers a broad spectrum of weed control without killing the lawn if applied correctly. Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions carefully when using any weed control product. Read our weed control guide here.

6. Aerate your lawn. Over time, soil can become compacted, making it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. Aerating your lawn involves poking small holes in the soil to allow these essential elements to reach the roots. This can be done with a manual or power aerator. Aeration should usually be done during the Spring or Fall. Read our 101 guide to lawn aeration.

7. Protect your lawn from pests. Pests such as grubs, bill bugs, and chinch bugs can cause serious damage to your lawn. To protect your lawn from pests, consider using a natural pest control product or consulting a lawn care professional.

8. Remove thatch. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic material that can build up on the surface of your lawn. If the thatch layer becomes too thick, it can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. To remove thatch, use a thatch rake or a power dethatcher. Thatch can usually be removed in less than 1 hour with the proper tools. 

9. Address any drainage issues. Poor drainage can cause standing water on your lawn, which can lead to disease and other problems. To improve drainage, consider grading your lawn to slope away from your home, installing drainage channels, or using other techniques to redirect water away from your lawn.

10. Hire a professional lawn care company. Maintaining a healthy lawn requires time, effort, the right tools, and knowledge. If you don't have the time, expertise or just need a few of the services above, consider hiring a professional lawn care company. A professional can provide expert advice and services to help keep your lawn looking its best.

If you have any questions about lawn care in Cedar City, Enoch, Parowan, New harmony or the surrounding area don't hesitate to ask. We are always looking for great new clients. If you would like us to help, fill out the form on the website and we’ll be in touch.

By following these tips, you can achieve a greener and healthier lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood.