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Lawn Care - Do It Yourself Maintenance

jazzynfo | Feb 15, 2010 |

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Are you feeling hesitant about managing the lawn care for your own lawn? Well the professionals tend to give the impression that lawn care is an overwhelming task, don't let it faze you. The reality is quite different and this article will give you some ideas on how to go about caring for your lawn in an easy and affordable manner.

We can divide lawn maintenance into 4 very basic steps, which will help you to get and maintain a healthy lawn.

Step 1 - aerating: is a process through which water, nutrients and oxygen penetrate down to the roots. Grass needs water and fertilizer at the root level to grow, it also needs oxygen to be healthy. The aeration process is a method whereby small holes are made in the turf through which the water, fertilizer and oxygen reach the roots. You can use a pitchfork to make the holes; wear aeration shoes, which are a kind of sandals with long spikes that sink into the ground aerating the soil, which becomes compacted with time as we walk and play over it. The third option is to make use of a power aerator, which can be rented – no need to buy.

Small lawns are best aerated by using a pitchfork, a very simple and cost free aerating alternative. You need to thrust the pitchfork firmly into the ground at a 45 degree angle, make sure it sinks at least 4 inches and then twist the handle gently to loosen the soil. If your lawn is bigger but still not too big you can get aeration shoes that are best worn while you cut the lawn. Finally, a very big lawn is going to need a power aerator, go rent one and get started on your lawn care.

Step 2 - de-thatching: a process by which built up layers of grass cut earlier are removed. The build up of grass roots and stems is called thatch; it acts as a barrier, preventing water and nutrients from penetrating the soil. When you use too much fertilizer and under-water the lawn, thatch build up happens. Excess fertilizer means too much nitrogen for the grass, causing it to grow too quickly; very little water means the roots are too close to soil surface instead of growing deeper in the soil. Good lawn care involves quick action – when you ascertain you have thatch build up, rent a power rake and get rid of it. When you do it in summer or early fall will help the grass recover very fast.

Step 3 - fertilization: provides your lawn with vital nourishment. Quality lawn care services involve fertilizing your lawn with the right amount of fertilizer. Excess fertilizer as we just saw will lead to thatch build up. Organic fertilizer is slowly winning over inorganic fertilizer; they break down very slowly into the soil and are not as strong as the inorganic ones. Talk to the manager at the outlet where you buy your fertilizer, he will be more than happy to advise you on the amounts of fertilizer your lawn needs. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions when fertilizing and then give your lawn a deep watering afterward.

Step 4 - reseeding: helps to build grass density, pushing out the weeds. Once the fertilizing is done you need to reseed or to be more precise over-seed so that the turf grows thick and healthy.

If you are able to do everything mentioned in this article than you might consider yourself a professional and can even think about starting your own lawn care service. Besides taking care of your own turf, you can help your neighbors do it and earn money! Think about it!