Spring has sprung and the April showers and mild temperatures will be gradually thawing out your lawn and returning it to its crisp, green color. But those who think that they don’t have to do anything to their lawn to ready it for a long and hot summer are putting themselves on the path to a yard gone brown by June. That’s why it’s important to take steps in the spring that will ensure your lawn’s beauty until the leaves start falling again.
Many of these preparations will save you money in the long run, while also helping the environment as well. We call it eco-friendly spring lawn care. Here’s a look at some tips and techniques to help keep your lawn green all summer long while also being conscious of the environment:
Spring Lawn Maintenance
According to Cleveland.com, lawn aeration and thatching are two restoration techniques that should be done in the spring. For instance, thatching helps remove dead grass and debris from the surface of the lawn so that fresh grass can grow and flourish. Aeration loosens soil and allows oxygen to reach the roots. Both services help fresh grass grow and flourish and also reduce the amount of water your lawn will need to stay healthy.
Tools
You can eliminate emissions when mowing and trimming your lawn by using electric mowers and trimmers. Another option is a 180-degree trimmer, or mowers with zero turn, which thereby eliminate the need altogether for a trimmer.
Fertilizer
Some hardware stores sell organic fertilizers that contain less harmful chemicals and are safer to use, especially for households that have children and pets. Remember that, even with an organic fertilizer, it should only end up on your lawn and not on the pavement. After you’re done applying it, take a broom and sweep any excess fertilizer on your sidewalk or driveway back onto the lawn to prevent it from running off into the sewer system.
Over Seeding
Your lawn likely took a beating last winter, which means you may have to over seed all of it or parts of it to give it back its lush look. According to the Vancouver Sun, for over seeding purposes, the best grasses are rye mixes, which are ideal for thickening your lawn back up.
Smart Watering
Adjust your sprinklers so that they hit your lawn and do not waste water on your driveway or sidewalk. It’s best to water your lawn early in the morning around dawn. This is when there’s limited wind, so your sprinkler streams won’t blow. Early morning hours also ensure that water will have time to soak into your lawn, as the sun isn’t yet strong enough to evaporate the water. Plus, mixing water with any dew on the ground is another benefit.