You’ve finally left apartment life behind, and you’re settled into your new home. Three bedrooms, two baths, and a lush green yard to boot!
Only, now you realize that you have no idea how to take care of a lawn.
Settle in, because our team of experts has come together to give you this easy-to-follow guide on lawn care for beginners!
Step 1. Become a Grass Guru
In Florida, there are 3 types of sod you’ll see in most backyards:
- Bermuda
- Zoysia, and
- St. Augustine
Knowing the identity of your turf can help you know what specific “diet” and needs it has.
For example, Zoysia Grass requires less mowing (once every 7-10 days), while Bahia Grass needs weekly maintenance.
So first, identify your grass type. We can help you out with that in our Lawn Care Guide.
Step 2. Have a Hydration Habit
Now that you’ve become a master Grass Guru, you can dive deep into how often you should water your lawn.
Each lawn has its own preference, just like you prefer drinking 5 cups of coffee a day while your husband can only handle one.
There are a few things that help determine your yard’s hydration schedule, such as:
- The type of grass;
- How much shade there is;
- Whether or not you have kids or pets who play in it frequently.
Here is our irrigation chart to help you get started:
Step 3: Stop, Calibrate, and Listen!
Your lawn’s lifeline? The sprinkler system. Let’s make sure there isn’t a clot.
Maintenance is key – just like your car. Get those sprinkler heads cleaned, adjusted, and repaired ASAP. And hey, an irrigation engineer on call isn’t a bad idea, either.
You can always give your sprinkler system a little tune-up yourself. Because let’s face it: many of us unknowingly overwater or underwater our lawns.
It’s called sprinkler calibration. It’s like giving your sprinklers a fitness tracker.
Believe it or not, calibration is simple and DIY-friendly. Don’t believe us? Check out our easy guide on calibration here. This ensures precise irrigation, fostering a lush green yard.
Step 4: Know the Signs
Your yard talks, and you’re about to learn its language.
Distressed lawn? No worries, you got this. Keep an eye out for signs like lawn burn, color changes, and leaf blade behaviors.
- Lawn Burn: Lawn burn occurs when the grass is exposed to excessive fertilizer or dog urine. It results in yellow or brown patches on the lawn. To prevent this, water the area thoroughly after your pet goes, and choose organic fertilizer.
- Change of Color: If you notice your grass taking on a blue-gray tint, it’s a sign of stress due to lack of water. This color change indicates that your lawn is thirsty and needs a drink. Time to adjust your watering routine!
- Leaf Blades Folding: If you see your grass’s leaf blades folding in half lengthwise, it’s not because they’re trying out yoga. This is actually a natural response to conserve water. When moisture is scarce, grass blades fold to reduce surface area and minimize water loss through evaporation.
Step 5: Be Prepared
Now, let’s arm you with tools to keep your lush green yard thriving.
Tackling pests and weeds? Let’s do it without harsh chemicals. Opt for eco-friendly solutions.
Here are some organic, healthy steps on lawn care that even beginners can handle:
- Beneficial Insects: Introduce predator insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that feed on harmful pests, keeping their populations in check.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil, derived from neem tree seeds, disrupts pests.’
- Diatomaceous Earth: This fine powder, made from fossilized algae, damages pests’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and death.
- Garlic Spray: (Yup!) A garlic-infused spray repels insects due to its strong odor, acting as a natural barrier.
- Companion Planting: Certain plants emit odors or substances that repel pests. For instance, marigolds can deter aphids and nematodes.
- Biological Controls: Using microbial pesticides containing beneficial bacteria, fungi, or viruses that target specific pests while sparing non-target organisms.
- Habits: Regular mowing, proper watering, and removing debris can create an environment less conducive to pests.
- Pruning: Trimming affected plant parts can help control the spread of pests.
Lawn Care for Beginners: The Forgotten Step
Amidst the excitement of nurturing your lush green yard, one vital step often goes overlooked: seeking professional guidance.
As you embark on your lawn care journey, remember that challenges, from mysterious pests to unexpected turf issues, might arise.
When you find yourself facing these hurdles, having a seasoned landscaper’s number on hand can be a lifesaver.
These professionals bring years of experience, a wealth of knowledge, and the right tools to diagnose and address problems efficiently.
As a beginner, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts when things seem tough. Your lawn will thrive under their expert care, ensuring your journey toward a healthy yard is a rewarding one.