LAWN CARE FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS
I am excited that you are becoming a first-time homeowner. Having bought your first house with me or another REALTOR®, my goal is to help you get the basic knowledge about everything related to homeownership.
In my previous post, I interviewed an expert in Septic Tanks Services and he helped me bring more light on what to expect and how to maintain Septics Tanks.
This post will equip you with basic knowledge on Lawn Care to make sure your lawn looks good before you research this topic further.
I asked Pierre Fountain from Oakridge Garden Centre, an expert in Lawn Care and Gardening, to answer these questions for us.
As a new homeowner, you may have no experience in yard or lawn care. Maybe you lived in an apartment or with your parents and didn't pay much attention to what is involved in having a beautiful lawn and garden. We are here to help you find where to begin and to equip you with answers to the most often asked questions.
In my previous post, I interviewed an expert in Septic Tanks Services and he helped me bring more light on what to expect and how to maintain Septics Tanks.
This post will equip you with basic knowledge on Lawn Care to make sure your lawn looks good before you research this topic further.
I asked Pierre Fountain from Oakridge Garden Centre, an expert in Lawn Care and Gardening, to answer these questions for us.
As a new homeowner, you may have no experience in yard or lawn care. Maybe you lived in an apartment or with your parents and didn't pay much attention to what is involved in having a beautiful lawn and garden. We are here to help you find where to begin and to equip you with answers to the most often asked questions.
I'm moving into my new home in spring. Is there anything that should be done to my lawn before summer?
After a long winter, it's good to de-thatch your lawn. This removes some of the dead grass that is below and lets the new grass blades appear.
Once you feel like the weather is going to be warm longer-term a high nitrogen fertilizer should be used to help your grass grow nice and lush and green.
My lawn gets a bit yellowish during the summer. What is the problem and what do I do to keep it green and healthy?
Yellow grass is a sign of a lack of nutrients. This is usually around 6-8 weeks after your first fertilization. A new application will help with this, but don't forget to water. Grass is a thirsty plant and when you water it you will notice a difference within a couple of days.
I noticed my lawn is overrun by weeds. What should I use to get rid of them?
You can pull them but this may be too big a job. Natural ways to rid yourself of weeds would be to apply corn gluten. This will stop the weed seeds from germinating. Mowing your grass at a higher mower height will help too. Weeds don't mind it hot and dry but your grass does.
After a long winter, it's good to de-thatch your lawn. This removes some of the dead grass that is below and lets the new grass blades appear.
Once you feel like the weather is going to be warm longer-term a high nitrogen fertilizer should be used to help your grass grow nice and lush and green.
My lawn gets a bit yellowish during the summer. What is the problem and what do I do to keep it green and healthy?
Yellow grass is a sign of a lack of nutrients. This is usually around 6-8 weeks after your first fertilization. A new application will help with this, but don't forget to water. Grass is a thirsty plant and when you water it you will notice a difference within a couple of days.
I noticed my lawn is overrun by weeds. What should I use to get rid of them?
You can pull them but this may be too big a job. Natural ways to rid yourself of weeds would be to apply corn gluten. This will stop the weed seeds from germinating. Mowing your grass at a higher mower height will help too. Weeds don't mind it hot and dry but your grass does.
I hear that it's better to use organic weed killers. Are they really effective? What would be the best for killing my weeds? Do "dandelions inhibitors grow" work?
Vinegar solutions do work so look up a recipe on the internet. They are quite easy to find. You may have to be a bit more persistent, but they do work.
I have dark green circles on my lawn ("Fairy rings"). How do I get rid of them?
Removing these rings may be difficult but not impossible. Start by removing the thatch and aerating the area. Water it well consistently and top dress it with some final grade compost.
How do I pick the right lawnmower for my lawn and who can help me with that?
For the right mower, size and power are the most important factors. If you have a small yard obviously you shouldn't need a riding mower. A push mower should do the trick. Larger acreages would need a riding mower. I would trust your local small engine dealers that sell and repair/maintain equipment.
How often should I mow my lawn?
A lawn should be mowed regularly. If you water and fertilize properly, you will need to mow once or twice a week. You shouldn't be mowing more than an inch off the top.
I heard that mowing the lawn too short isn't good for its health.
Yes, mowing your lawn too short is possibly the worst thing you can do to your grass. It exposes your roots to the hot sun and scorches them. You then give weeds plenty of sunlight and space to grow. Our grass is not the same mixture as the golf course therefore you shouldn't treat it the same.
Proper watering. How often? Any tips?
When you water, water deeply so that the roots can go down lower with the root system to get nutrients. The best time of day to water is in the early morning. This way it has all day to dry so that fungal issues won't arise as easily. Depending on how much it rains and how hot it is you may want to adjust. For really hot and arid conditions you may want to water up to 3 times per week.
When is the best time to fertilize my lawn? Quick-release vs long release fertilizers.
Every 6-8 weeks. High nitrogen fertilizers in spring and summer. One fall application of fall fertilizer that is specifically formulated for fall in mid-late September.
Where can I get free professional advice if I need some?
You can always ask your local garden centre for advice. Otherwise, ask your lawn care professionals.
What should my "first aid" kit for my lawn include?
Your time. Give your lawn attention by fertilizing, watering, and mowing it using sharp blades. When mower blades are dull they rip your grass rather than cut. See your repair shop for assistance with this.
Do I need to aerate my lawn?
Aeration should be done every couple of years after de-thatching in spring on established lawns. Especially when there's high traffic on it.
How do I winterize my lawn?
Winterizing a lawn is simple. Start lowering your mower height in mid-September once you've added your fall fertilizer. This will make spring clean up easier!
Vinegar solutions do work so look up a recipe on the internet. They are quite easy to find. You may have to be a bit more persistent, but they do work.
I have dark green circles on my lawn ("Fairy rings"). How do I get rid of them?
Removing these rings may be difficult but not impossible. Start by removing the thatch and aerating the area. Water it well consistently and top dress it with some final grade compost.
How do I pick the right lawnmower for my lawn and who can help me with that?
For the right mower, size and power are the most important factors. If you have a small yard obviously you shouldn't need a riding mower. A push mower should do the trick. Larger acreages would need a riding mower. I would trust your local small engine dealers that sell and repair/maintain equipment.
How often should I mow my lawn?
A lawn should be mowed regularly. If you water and fertilize properly, you will need to mow once or twice a week. You shouldn't be mowing more than an inch off the top.
I heard that mowing the lawn too short isn't good for its health.
Yes, mowing your lawn too short is possibly the worst thing you can do to your grass. It exposes your roots to the hot sun and scorches them. You then give weeds plenty of sunlight and space to grow. Our grass is not the same mixture as the golf course therefore you shouldn't treat it the same.
Proper watering. How often? Any tips?
When you water, water deeply so that the roots can go down lower with the root system to get nutrients. The best time of day to water is in the early morning. This way it has all day to dry so that fungal issues won't arise as easily. Depending on how much it rains and how hot it is you may want to adjust. For really hot and arid conditions you may want to water up to 3 times per week.
When is the best time to fertilize my lawn? Quick-release vs long release fertilizers.
Every 6-8 weeks. High nitrogen fertilizers in spring and summer. One fall application of fall fertilizer that is specifically formulated for fall in mid-late September.
Where can I get free professional advice if I need some?
You can always ask your local garden centre for advice. Otherwise, ask your lawn care professionals.
What should my "first aid" kit for my lawn include?
Your time. Give your lawn attention by fertilizing, watering, and mowing it using sharp blades. When mower blades are dull they rip your grass rather than cut. See your repair shop for assistance with this.
Do I need to aerate my lawn?
Aeration should be done every couple of years after de-thatching in spring on established lawns. Especially when there's high traffic on it.
How do I winterize my lawn?
Winterizing a lawn is simple. Start lowering your mower height in mid-September once you've added your fall fertilizer. This will make spring clean up easier!
APRIL, 26 / 2020
We hope this post was helpful to you and by now you have a good understanding of what to begin with. If you have more questions about Lawn Care, please, feel free to contact Pierre at Oakridge Garden Centre (Phone: 204-326-1015).
You can always contact me if you have any Real Estate questions.
You can always contact me if you have any Real Estate questions.
all material within is © Tatiana Zueva Personal Real Estate Corporation