How to Have a Lush Green Lawn
- 1). Select a grass cultivar that will thrive in your climate and growing conditions. Grasses come in two main types: cool-season or warm-season grasses. Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia, thrive in warmer climates but are not cold-tolerant and will turn yellow in winter. Cool-season grasses include Colonial bentgrass. Grasses such as St. Augustine tolerate shaded conditions better than other varieties.
- 2). Mow your lawn regularly, only removing one-third of the length of the blades at a time. Ryegrass should be kept at 1-1/2 to 2 inches high. Fescue or bluegrass thrives at 2 inches to 2-1/2 inches high. Keep most grasses at up to 3 inches high for best results. Keeping the grass taller shades the soil and cuts back on how much irrigation is needed. Grass also relies on photosynthesis through the leaf blade to gain energy to grow and remain healthy. Taller grass provides more leaf surface to aid photosynthesis. Maintain your lawn mow so the blade cuts are clean and sharp.
- 3). Water deeply, rather than frequently, to encourage deep root formation. Water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Allow the water to penetrate at least 6 inches deep. Check moisture depth with a wooden dowel. Water in the morning to keep evaporation at a minimum and so the blades dry before the cooler temperatures of evening when fungus and other diseases may develop.
- 4). Feed your lawn with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Do not over fertilize; this may cause the grass to grow too quickly, requiring more maintenance and irrigation. Yellowing lawns indicate insufficient nitrogen. The University of California - Davis suggests using 2 lbs. of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet, up to four times a year.
- 5). Dethatch your lawn when the thatch builds up to 1/2-inch thick. Thatch is a layer of dead grass under the green, growing grass blades. This layer prevents water, oxygen and nutrients from reaching the soil. Run a thatching rake over the lawn. This will break up and bring the thatch to the surface where it can be discarded. A vertical mower or dethatcher is available for larger lawns. You can rent these machines at your local garden store.