A lush lawn in the south requires work; making grass grow and thrive in this hot, humid climate mandates care and attention. If it seems that your yard is not as full and hardy as it could be, consider some tips from local landscapers to improve your property’s curb appeal.
Five ways to help your grass grow lusher are:
It all starts with the soil.
When it comes to a great-looking lawn, it starts with decent soil. Make sure that you are working with a soil that is rich, with the right pH level and acidity for the region. You may want to add fertilizer to some areas of soil, though it may not be feasible to amend and enrich the whole turf or lawn space. Be cautious and careful when fertilizing as it can cause potential problems, like pests and disease, though it may be the only way to nurture a fabulous-looking lawn.
Herbicides can help – and hurt.
Weeds can be a problem in the Carolinas, and invasive species can choke and compromise your yard and lawn. Target the weeds that are growing with a specific herbicide to treat what is impacting your yard; in the south, that is commonly species like kudzu, which can creep over turf, up trees, and across your roof if left untreated. If you do not have weeds, skip the herbicides as it could have a negative effect on your exteriors in some instances.
Plan on six hours of sun.
A healthy and hardy lawn requires around six hours of direct sunlight daily. There are some shade tolerant varieties of turf, like St. Augustine Grass, which only needs three-to-four hours of sun a day to thrive. Evaluate your greenspace to determine if this is feasible, or if you should look at full-shade options and alternatives, like gravel, mulch, or groundcover, instead.
Don’t overwater.
It is very easy to overwater a lawn and compromise the quality. The key to consistent and precise watering is a sprinkler system; adjust yours to suit the type of turf and climate that you are watering-in. Irrigation is intended to replace moisture that evaporates each day, which in the south, is around one-fifth of an inch of water per day. Too much water is not absorbed by the roots which can lead to rot.
Develop decent drainage.
In the southeastern United States, a common issue is the heavy, clay-like soil; this makes drainage key to developing a healthy lawn. First, test your soil to determine if it is missing any nutrients and add these to the topsoil, compost, or fertilizer. Next, make sure that you are planting your turf in aerated soil; aerating helps roots grow and prevents disease. Invest in an aerating tool to punch holes across your turf to improve oxygen in your soil.
Want a lush lawn without the work? Hire an expert landscape services company in Charleston, Natural Tendencies Landscape Professionals, to take care of your yard and garden for you. Enjoy the many benefits of a healthier, hardier lawn this season!