As the weather begins to warm up, it's time to start thinking about your lawn care routine. Caring for your yard now has a significant impact on your lawn throughout the season. It also helps with curb appeal and can inspire your fellow neighbors within your HOA. Whether you have Bermuda or fescue grass, there are some key steps you can take to ensure your lawn stays healthy and vibrant throughout the year.
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that thrives in the heat of summer, while fescue grass is a cool-season grass that prefers cooler temperatures. Here are some tips for caring for your grass this time of year:
Bermuda Grass Care:
Mow regularly: As the weather warms up, Bermuda grass will begin to grow more rapidly. It's important to mow your lawn regularly to keep it looking neat and tidy. A good rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at one time.
Water deeply: Bermuda grass is drought-tolerant, but it still needs water to stay healthy. Water your lawn deeply once a week, rather than frequent shallow watering, to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilize: Bermuda grass is a heavy feeder, so it's important to fertilize it regularly. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
Control weeds: Weeds can quickly take over a Bermuda grass lawn, so it's important to control them early on. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating, and use a post-emergent herbicide to spot-treat any weeds that do appear.
Fescue Grass Care:
Mow high: Unlike Bermuda grass, fescue grass prefers to be mowed at a higher height. Keep your mower blade set to 3-4 inches to promote healthy growth.
Water deeply: Fescue grass needs about 1 inch of water per week to stay healthy. Water your lawn deeply once a week, rather than frequent shallow watering, to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilize: Fescue grass is a lighter feeder than Bermuda grass, but it still needs regular fertilization. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring and again in the fall.
Aerate: Fescue grass can become compacted over time, which can impede root growth and prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Aerate your lawn once a year to loosen the soil and promote healthy growth.
No matter what type of grass you have, regular care is essential to keeping your lawn healthy and beautiful. By following these tips, you can ensure your lawn stays in top condition all year long.