7 Tips for a Beautiful Spring Lawn

This is a sponsored post written by me for Lawn Doctor. All opinions are mine alone.

Now that spring is officially here, we are spending more time outdoors. The kids really enjoy playing in the yard for hours on end. However, winter was not kind to the grass so we are doing some DIY lawn care this month. Today, I’ll be sharing some easy ways you can beautify your own lawn. If you don’t want to do any of the work yourself, the folks at Lawn Doctor have all the services you need so you can have the greenest property on the block!

When we first moved into our current residence, we fell in love with the size of the property. However, over time, the size of the lawn has posed some challenges in terms of maintenance. Luckily, with the right tools & some common sense, keeping the lawn looking healthy is not as difficult as it may first seem. Plus, the satisfaction of having a beautiful, well-maintained lawn is a feeling like no other!

1. Test the soil!
One of the first steps to take is to test the soil. After all, we can’t fix something if we don’t first understand the exact problem. Using a soil probe is super easy – simply push it into the soil to the desired depth and lift up.

This sample of soil can be used to quantify the soil’s pH, compaction levels and the quality of lawn watering. Confused by what to test and how to interpret the results? Lawn Doctor can help you both collect a soil sample & recommend specific solutions based on your individual situation.

2. Determine soil pH!
Did you know that grass grows best in a slightly acidic soil? A general guideline is that the pH should lie between 5.5 – 7.0. Use a pH Meter to quantify the pH of your soil. If your soil has a pH that’s too low, add lime to increase the pH. If your soil has a pH that’s too high, add sulfur to lower the pH. The proper pH level is essential to maximize the availability of nutrients. 

3. Aerate the lawn!
A compacted lawn will not allow water & nutrients to penetrate deeply. That’s why regular lawn aeration is essential. With a pair of shoe aerators, you can improve your lawn – and get a good workout at the same time! That’s a WIN in my book! Notice those spikes … they actually break up the soil.

4. Use a combination product that includes seed & fertilizer!
If your goal is to fill in bare spots throughout the lawn, you will need to add grass seed to the lawn. However, it’s most efficient to use a combination product that contains mulch, seed and fertilizer. Using a handheld spreader is an easy way to ensure even distribution without needing to invest in a more expensive, bulky piece of equipment. Make sure you choose a seed that grows well in your geographic region. The experts at Lawn Doctor can recommend the appropriate products for your area and your individual lawn conditions.

5. Use an oscillating sprinkler!
Fertilizing will not be effective if you don’t water the lawn afterward. The easiest way to water the lawn (if you don’t have in-ground sprinklers) is to use an oscillating sprinkler. Aim to water during early morning hours (4am-9 am.) A basic guideline is to water the grass three times per week. Too much water will encourage a shallow root system- this will eventually result in fungus growth. Too little water will weaken a lawn’s resistance to drought. So make sure you’re giving just the right amount of water!

6. Use a rain gauge!
When you’re determining how much water your lawn needs, you have to take rainfall into account. Keep in mind that a typical lawn requires about one inch of water per week- this means you should be adding about 1/3 of an inch three times per week. A rain gauge can help you figure out if last night’s drizzle delivered enough (or too little) water to your lawn.

7. Measure those grass blades!
Cutting grass to the correct height will ensure that the grass gets adequate sunlight in order to thrive. If you mow your grass too short, it will reduce the grass’s nutrient supply- this will eventually promote the growth of weeds. Aim for 1 inch length for warm-season grasses and 2.5 inches length for cool-season grasses. If you don’t want to do your own mowing, Lawn Doctor can help you maintain your grass at the proper height all season long! 

Both of my daughters have birthdays in spring/summer, so we always host parties during these warmer months. All the party guests always wind up heading outdoors during these parties and I want to be proud of our lawn. I love that Lawn Doctor offers all the services I would need to keep my lawn looking its best, including fertilizing, weed control and insect treatment. Once the lawn is taken care of, we can all sit back and relax in the yard.

After all, isn’t that the whole point of having a backyard?

Did you know that Lawn Doctor has been fully committed to customer satisfaction over the past 50 years of servicing lawns across the country? They also boast the highest retention rate in the industry (*as measured against other national lawn care providers). If you have a black thumb, don’t worry – Lawn Doctor can help make your lawn gorgeous!

Curious to get started? Simply call Lawn Doctor for a free lawn care estimate. Whether the recommended treatment is a single lawn care treatment or ongoing yard maintenance, they can help you achieve your lawn goals this year!

Don’t forget to visit Lawn Doctor to see how they can help you beautify your lawn this spring. Does your lawn need some help? What is one issue you’re having with your lawn?

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