Looking after a lawn can involve a lot of work. It can be daunting when you are new to gardening, and you will want to do all you can to create and maintain a healthy and attractive lawn. This is a situation many people find themselves in when they first buy a house with a garden, so it is helpful to be aware of a few lawn care tips for beginners that will help you maintain your lawn. Once you know what you are doing, it will become much easier to look after the lawn throughout the different seasons, and you might even enjoy maintaining it.
Mow Regularly
Of course, one of the main tasks is mowing the lawn. You need to get into the habit of mowing on a regular basis, adjusting the mower height based on the grass type and season. Walk-behind mowers can be physically demanding and time-consuming, particularly if you have a large lawn. This is why it is worth investing in riding lawnmowers that will make mowing the lawn a simple, quick, and easy job. There are various models to choose from, allowing you to find one that is best suited for your needs and backyard.
Water 1 Inch Per Week
Watering is also key, but you need to get the balance right. Ideally, you want to make sure that the lawn is getting around 1 inch of water each week. Watering deeply but infrequently will encourage deep root growth, so watering in one session each week is smart. You should also try to water the lawn early in the morning or late at night to minimize evaporation.
Use A Slow-Release Fertilizer
A slow-release fertilizer can be used to provide the lawn with the nutrients needed for healthy growth. Slow-release fertilizer provides the nutrients slowly, which is helpful as it prevents the grass from burning and provides more consistent growth. It is also best to fertilize during the most active growing seasons (spring and fall).
Check For Weeds & Pests
Weeds and pests are a gardener’s worst enemy and can wreak havoc on your lawn. This is why you need to regularly inspect the lawn for signs of weeds and pests so that you can take swift action. Weeds can easily be removed and you could use a pre-emergent herbicide in spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Pesticides and natural remedies can be used to treat pests.
Overseed In Thin Areas
It is common for lawns to have patchy or thin areas, especially larger lawns. This can be highly noticeable, but you can solve this issue by overseeding in thin areas. Be sure to use seeds that match your existing lawn for a consistent look.
Maintaining a lawn might seem daunting at first, but once you know what you are doing, it can be relatively straightforward and highly rewarding. The above are the basics of lawn care for a beginner that should help you master the basics and keep your lawn looking its best throughout the year.