My Turfgrass Growing Guide details a holiday fertilization schedule to help you remember when (as well as how much) fertilizer to use, irrigation metrics, seasonal tasks, and mowing tips. It will take out the guesswork, and save you time, energy, and money. For example, it is a great time to aerate and dethatch, but wait until Memorial Day to do your first fertilizer application. (Nitrogen only.)
I am a reformed anti-lawn snob. Not understanding effective lawn care, I thought green grass meant toxic chemicals, constant irrigation, noisy leaf blowers, and mowers. However, I have come to understand the virtues of a well managed lawn in landscape design and the ecosystem. Grass stores atmospheric carbon and provides summer cooling. Its matted root system is also fantastic at holding onto topsoil during heavy rains while sponging up copious amounts of water. Last year, I saw heavy equipment damage grass on a sloped area. Then I watched surface runoff carve deep channels, carrying away the topsoil. It was difficult to get grass re-established there.
As for my other concerns, lovely, green grass doesn’t have to be toxic and dirty. Like everything else, if you know when and how much to deliver in water and nutrients, as well as how to mow properly, all of the costs in dollars and ecosystem can be reduced dramatically, while still providing a nice place to play for your kids and pets. It’s also soft, cool, and smells pretty great too.
Are you interested in receiving reminders through email about the fertilization schedule and other lawn care tips? If so let me know and I’ll add you to the mailing list.
Second Breakfast Gardens 