Seven Habits of Homeowners With Perfectly Manicured Lawns

Kara Masterson
by Kara Masterson
Never Cut the Lawn Too Short


Never cut more than a third of the length of your grass with a lawn mower. Grass grows through the process of photosynthesis, which means taller blades of grass produce better root systems. Shorter cut grass blades can’t get the energy they require. Although it’s tempting to cut the lawn short, mowing it at a higher length will keep it healthier and vibrant.
Fertilizers are Not Universal


A common mistake homeowners make when it comes to lawn care is fertilizing their yard with a type that’s not specifically created for their lawn. Stop at your local garden center or home improvement store and buy a soil test kit to determine which fertilizer formula is most conducive for your particular yard. Some lawns may require additional nitrogen or phosphorous. Taking the time to implement the right one will greatly improve the overall health of your grass.
Water Once a Week


Most lawns should ideally be watered once a week, contrary to popular opinion. Repeatedly watering for shorter periods cause the root system of a lawn to remain close to the surface, and therefore more vulnerable to disease. Watering the lawn once a day for a longer time period will allow for deeper, proper saturation.
Remove Yard Debris and Aerate


Yard waste, debris, and thatch (dead grass) form a layer over the lawn. Use a rake to thoroughly remove thatch and recycle grass clippings (except weeds and crabgrass contents). Fertilizer is useless wherever thatch exists; so be sure to clean it up along with other yard debris prior to seasonal yard care.
Nip Problems in the Bud


Watch and observe your lawn daily. At the first sign of weed growth, take care of it immediately - fix the damage and quickly reseed. Understand common diseases and pest patterns and act accordingly if you notice them in your yard.
Service Outdoor Lawn Equipment


A lawn is only as good as the tools that maintain it. Keep your lawn mower and other powered lawn tools tuned-up to improve their performance and efficiency. Tune-up kits are available virtually anywhere lawn tools are sold. Also, keep the blades of your lawn mower sharp since dull blades will tear, instead of actually cut grass. Over time, it may result in a subtle yellow hue that covers the top of your lawn.
Incorporate Finishing Touches


Give your yard a polished look by using an edger or any other tools that will make it look like something out of a magazine.


Follow these seven tips and habits to get the best looking lawn on the block and the envy of all your neighbors.
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  • SYNLawn SYNLawn on May 27, 2014
    And if you just want to take the easier route, give synthetic grass a try. When you start weighing the differences between the two options, you might be surprised which makes more sense. With watering restrictions and horror stories about fertilizers/pesticides and even lawn mower emissions, solutions like SYNLawn are becoming more and more popular and are paying for themselves pretty quickly. And oh yeah, we have solutions for moles and other rodents too! www.synlawn.com
  • Judy Lee Green Judy Lee Green on May 29, 2014
    Will the hot sauce idea work if the mole holes are directly beneath rose and peony bushes? Would it kill them?
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