Celebrating National Lawn Care Month in April

To help homeowners get their spring and summer lawn care off to a great start and to celebrate National Lawn Care Month in April we offer these 5 myth-busting tips.

Have you ever wondered when the right time to apply fertilizer to your yard is or whether it’s ok to cut the grass short?

Myth #1: It’s best to water your lawn every day.

Reality: Watering your lawn every three days is better than daily watering. Deep, rather than shallow watering of your lawn is recommended to nurture the roots. An inch of water to 12 inches of soil is the preferred ratio for watering actively growing grass.

Myth #2: It’s ok to cut the grass very short.

Reality: Most landscape professionals advise against cutting grass more than one-third of the grass leaf at a time. Mowing at a finished cut height of 3 to 3.5 inches throughout the summer is generally recommended. The lawn will need less water, will be more resistant to weeds and will have a deeper, greener color. Use a sharp mower blade to prevent tearing grass blades. A crisp and clean cut will help prevent a “brown tip” appearance. This information is true for St. Augustine grass only, other grasses require different mowing.

Myth #3: Early spring is the best time to fertilize the lawn.

Reality: Since different species of grass prefer nutrients at different times of the year, be sure to use the correct fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. A slow-release fertilizer allows for more even and consistent feeding over a longer period of time than a quick-release fertilizer. And, remember to use fertilizers responsibly by cleaning up any that lands on streets, sidewalks or driveways where they can be washed into lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

Myth #4: A garden hose is more cost efficient than installing an irrigation system

Reality: Many landscape professionals recommend installing an irrigation system with smart controllers which have sensors that water when needed. Smart irrigation can offer a cost savings of 15–20 percent on water bills. Converting irrigation spray nozzles from sprinklers to rotating nozzles will spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, which makes them more targeted and effective.

Myth #5: You can water your lawn and landscape any time of day.

Reality: Water is a valuable resource; make every drop count! Watering the lawn in the early mornings or evenings after sunset minimizes evaporation. It’s the best time for water to penetrate deep into the soil. Morning watering is better than evening.

For more helpful tips on taking care of your lawn and landscape, or to get advice on how to hire a landscape professional contact us at Integrity Lawn & Ornamental.

Feel free to browse our other blog topics and to browse this site for more ways we can be of assistance to you. Call Integrity Lawn & Ornamental today for a free consultation to help design the perfect personalized program for your lawn care. Or, you may simply fill out the quote request form to get started protecting your home/commercial property today.

Call (904) 721-0182 to schedule your FREE evaluation today. Or fill out a quote request below.