A wise person once said the grass is greener where you water it—nobody can argue! Not only does a healthy, lush lawn add beauty and marvel to your home, but it can also provide you with resourcefulness. While achieving a picture-worthy lawn straight out of the movies comes with plenty of work and attentiveness, a constant routine is all you need. This how-to guide will provide the best practices to instill the best lawn care results. Understanding Your Soil The root of any problem must be evaluated inward, or in this case, below our feet. If you’ve ever had to start from scratch in growing your lawn, picking the correct grass seed can be complicated. Many factors contribute to growing a healthy green lawn, including the soil's pH level, the climate in your region, and your soil type. Some soils are best for growing certain plants, while others can retain more water than others. To begin the process, it's best to test the pH levels of your soil too Soil Amendments Adding soil amendments will enrich the chemical and physical properties of your soil. The effects can reduce compaction, water retention, and aeration. In addition, organic materials such as compost or peat will provide the necessary nutrients and maintain a proper pH level. Assessing Damage Lists are a great way to take note of the upgrades that can be made to your home. Before beginning any project or caring for your lawn, write down or photograph some elements of your yard that you find questionable or need tending to. A professional contractor will give you a second opinion and create a plan to get your lawn back in top shape. Weed Control The biggest enemy lurking aimlessly in your garden is weeds. These unwanted plants come in many forms, soaking up the water and soil nutrients and spreading rapidly. While weeds can be removed by hand, some homeowners feel worried about taking action themselves—pesticides used to kill off these weeds are also harmful to your lawn and precious plants. Organic weed control treatments can be used, but the most common ones contain toxins. Adding pre-emergent herbicides will do the trick to stop the spread before it germinates. Routine professional lawn care services are reliable and most effective in treating an infestation. Fertilization Springtime is the inaugural season to begin the fertilization process. If you already have a schedule, carrying it into summer will ensure the best health for your type of soil by promoting a well-nourished lawn. Follow up with fertilization between 6-8 weeks after late spring while also watering routinely. Fertilized grass can cause severe effects such as: Severe discoloration from yellow, browning, and dead patches Burnt grass from overuse or spillage Buildup in salt that will dry up the soil Nutrient Deficiency The signs of a nutrient-deficient lawn are eye-opening, and not in a good way. Dead patch grasses are a symptom of nutrient deficiency, and other plants will also show negative effects. Unfortunately, no amount of water can bring a nutrient-dead lawn back to life—at this point, lawn treatments and care plans are of the utmost importance. The Waterworks One of the most common ways homeowners contribute to their lawn’s demise is infrequent watering over a long period. Create a schedule for everyday watering if you do not own irrigation systems. Watering early in the morning will ensure your lawn properly dries during the night. A typical lawn only needs about one inch of water to penetrate the soil effectively. Water Drainage Effective draining prevents damage and lawn issues down the line. An overwatered lawn will show signs of overgrown fungus and pests and kill your lawn. Installing drainage systems for your lawn is a long-lasting option for homeowners worried about overwatering or having current drainage issues. An in-ground system, grate, or French drain are all great, depending on the layout and spacing in your landscape. Invest In the Greenest Lawn of Your Dreams Investing in quality lawn care will forever improve the appearance and health of your grass. Lawn care is essential for bringing out the beauty of the exterior of your home. With MasterGrass’s servicing the areas of Ankeny, Ames, and Altoona, Iowa, we gladly seek to provide your landscape with what it needs to stay at its best.