Proper lawn care will benefit more than just your grass – your family, your neighborhood and even the planet are happy when your lawn is healthy. Create a lawn that is up to standards for picnics, laying in the shade and playing barefoot with children. Boost your lawn appeal today with the following tips and recommended products, provided by your local CO-OP Home Centre.
Seed It
Not able to water newly planted grass as often as you should? Do you have problem areas where you just cannot grow grass? Look to Co-op’s innovation to change your seeding experience. Co-op Gold Coated Grass Seed has a water-absorbent coating for improved water retention, helping your grass grow even if you miss a watering. This high-quality seed is 99.9% weed-free and is suitable for both sunny and shaded areas.
Lawns are living, breathing plants that need to be properly nourished to stay greener, fuller, and fight off invading weeds and pests. Feed your grass regularly (every six to eight weeks) for the best results. When it is possible, choose a phosphorus-free fertilizer like Co-op Gold Lawn Fertilizer. Fertilizers containing phosphorus are a major source of groundwater contamination that can lead to algae blooms, which are toxic to humans and animals. Eliminating this usage will help to protect the environment, animals and ourselves. Also, ensure to apply lawn food when rainfall is not expected within 24 hours of application to prevent fertilizer from washing away or leaching into groundwater. This will help you maintain a beautiful and environmentally friendly lawn.
Soak It
Save time and money by watering the right way! Mother Nature usually provides enough water through rainfall for grass to grow strong. However, there are times when rainfall needs to be supplemented, such as with newly planted lawns or extended periods of heat and drought. Be sure to water deeply and infrequently. Avoid watering between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – the hottest time of the day. It is best to water between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. when there is less wind and sun and your lawn has a full day to dry.
Mow It
Set your mower at the highest preferred setting for your grass type – most grass varieties excel when the mower is set to one of the highest settings, providing a three to four inch cut. Why? This is because properly mowed grass can grow and support more roots and develop a deeper root system to find water and nutrients in the soil. Cutting too aggressively, or scalping the lawn, forces grass plants to re-grow their blades, not deepen roots and makes your lawn more prone to weeds. Ensure your lawn is dry before mowing – wet grass can result in an uneven cut and promotes clumping which leads to brown spots in your yard. In addition, varying your mowing pattern is highly beneficial. By moving in a different direction every time you mow, you help avoid compacting soil.
Weed It
Control unwanted weeds in your garden with a selective herbicide like “Scotts EcoSense Weed B Gon. Selective herbicides control dandelions and other broadleaf weeds without harming grass. They are made from iron, an ingredient found in the natural environment. Thorough and uniform coverage is very important as well. Water your lawn 24 hours after each application and repeat treatement once every four or more weeks after the first treatment as necessary.
