Ever drive through a neighborhood with one bright green lawn after the other, only to look at your own lawn and wonder what it will take for it to be thick and lush?
Keeping your grass healthy and vibrant can sometimes feel like a game of “whack-a-mole”, but thankfully, it is possible to have a beautiful green lawn without a horticulture degree. In short, you can have a beautiful yard with just a little care and attention!
Here are 7 simple, homeowner-friendly ways to get greener grass. I’ve also added in a few smart tips to help you stay on top of lawn care using HomeZada to make it easier.
1. Water Smart, Not More
It’s a common assumption that more water leads to greener grass, but in reality, excessive watering can stress your lawn and promote disease.
The best practice is to water deeply and less frequently. Aim to give your lawn about 1 inch of water per week, ideally in the early mornings.
To ensure you’re meeting this goal, consider using a rain gauge or even a tuna can to measure how much water your lawn is actually receiving.
2. Mow High and Mow Sharp
It’s tempting to mow your lawn low and call it done for a while, but longer grass blades help your lawn retain moisture and develop deeper roots. To achieve this, set your mower blade to around 3 inches. Furthermore, it’s important to maintain sharp mower blades, as dull blades can damage the grass and cause brown tips to appear.
3. Feed It the Right Way
To keep your lawn thriving and to achieve that rich green color, it’s essential to provide it with the right nutrients, particularly nitrogen. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and again in early fall will help maintain its health. It’s best to avoid fertilizing during the peak of summer heat, unless you’re opting for organic or compost-based fertilizers.
4. Fix Bare Spots Before They Spread
Brown or patchy areas in your lawn can quickly expand if not addressed promptly. To remedy this, rake the affected spot, add fresh topsoil, and seed with a grass type that matches the existing lawn. It’s important to keep the area moist until new growth fills in, ensuring a healthy and even lawn restoration.
Pro Tip: HomeZada’s property calendar is great for setting reminders to reseed or spot-treat bare patches in the spring and fall.
5. Aerate Once a Year
Compacted soil can make it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to penetrate and reach the roots of your lawn. To remedy this, consider renting a core aerator or hiring a professional in early spring or fall. You’ll be amazed at how much healthier your lawn looks after giving it a good breather!
6. Keep Your Lawn Mower Clean
Dirty mower blades can surprisingly transfer diseases from one section of your lawn to another, making it essential to regularly clean the blades and give the undercarriage a quick rinse. It’s also important to check for any oil leaks or buildups that could be harmful to your grass. Maintaining your mower in good condition is crucial for ensuring a healthy lawn.
7. Test Your Soil (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Sometimes the real issue isn’t your lawn but rather your soil. If your lawn isn’t greening up no matter what you do, a soil test can help uncover nutrient imbalances or pH problems.
You can find DIY kits at most garden centers or send a sample to your local extension office. Once you know what your soil needs, you’ll be able to amend it more precisely, saving you money and ensuring you’re not wasting it on the wrong fertilizers.
Don’t Forget to Log It in HomeZada
With so many moving parts in lawn care, it’s easy to forget what you’ve done and when. That’s where HomeZada helps:
- ⬥ Track lawn care tasks in your seasonal maintenance schedule
- ⬥ Store receipts for fertilizers, soil amendments, or new lawn tools in your digital inventory
- ⬥ Set reminders for watering schedules, mower maintenance, or aeration so nothing falls through the cracks
Finally, getting greener grass isn’t about spending more time or money…it’s about working with nature instead of against it. With a few intentional steps and a little help from HomeZada, your lawn can go from so-so to standout, season after season.
Incorporating Ornamental Grasses into your Landscape
