First Federal Bank Blog

Buying your first house is an exciting step — and one that comes with many new responsibilities. Along with maintaining your home, you’ll also need to care for your lawn so it stays healthy and attractive. Not sure where to begin with mowing, watering, fertilizing, and all the other tasks associated with lawn care? These tips will steer you in the right direction:
 
Mow with care
 
Whether you’re using a push mower or riding mower, make sure you’re working with a sharp blade that will cut cleanly. A dull blade can rip and damage your grass. It’s important to cut grass at the proper height, too — generally about one-third of its length. Cutting grass too short can hinder it from growing like it should while potentially damaging the roots and soil. Also, be sure to vary the pattern and direction each time you mow to prevent ruts and keep the grass growing straight.
 
Feed your lawn
 
Fertilizing your lawn on a regular basis gives it the nutrients it needs to thrive. The type of fertilizer you need will depend on the type of grass that grows in your yard, the makeup of the soil, and what time of year it is. As a general rule, it’s best to apply fertilizer during your lawn’s growing season. Cool-season grasses (like bluegrass and fescue) do most of their growing in the spring and fall. Warm-season grasses (like zoysia and Bermuda) achieve most of their growth in late spring and summer.
 
Don’t forget about water
 
Your lawn needs plenty of water in order to flourish — typically about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Rain can supply some of this, but you’ll need to do some watering of your own as well if conditions are dry. It’s best to do this earlier in the morning, usually between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. That way, the water can be absorbed into the soil before it’s evaporated by the sun. When you water, keep an eye out for puddles, as this could indicate areas where you’re overwatering.
 
Protect against weeds
 
Left unattended, weeds can quickly overrun a lawn, crowding out the grass and hogging the nutrients it needs to survive and grow. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide when the growing season begins can prevent weeds from cropping up in your yard. If weeds are already present, you can use a post-emergent herbicide or simply uproot weeds by hand. Before using any chemicals, be sure to confirm that they’re safe for the type of grass in your yard.
 
Aerate the soil
 
You may need to help your lawn by having it aerated. Aeration involves making holes in compacted soil or removing soil plugs so air, water, and nutrients can circulate and reach grass roots more effectively. This is best done at the beginning or the end of the growing season — but be sure to have it done when your lawn’s soil is moist for the best results.
 
Consider alternatives to grass
 
Traditional lawns look great when they’re well kept, but they’re not always the most eco-friendly option. To conserve water, prevent erosion, and reduce emissions from mowing, you may want to consider grass alternatives for your yard. The best options will vary widely depending on your location and climate. Possibilities include anything from rocks and gravel to native grasses and clover to perennial ground-cover plants and moss.
 
Whether you’re doing everything yourself or enlisting the help of professionals, taking these steps will help you cultivate a lawn that’s robust, pleasing to the eye, and a great complement to your home.