Forming a plan of action for all-year property maintenance is a critical task. A beautiful landscape and exterior of the property adds to your home’s overall curb appeal and creates a welcoming space for various outdoor activities, such as BBQ parties, sports, high tea, etc. With a little time and effort, you can maintain your property and keep it looking beautiful and healthy throughout the year.
Our detailed guide for all-year property maintenance will explain just how you can ensure that your property has everything it needs to prosper.
Spring Maintenance
Harsh winters can be tough on the lawn, but if you start maintaining your lawn early in the springtime, you can ensure that it has the necessary care needed for a good start. Lawn care in spring is particularly demanding because your lawn is transitioning from the harsh winter to greening up again. Some of the essential steps to take for spring maintenance are listed below:
Cleaning Up
The first step is to clean the lawn thoroughly by removing debris, dead grass, and leaves with a rake. This will prepare the lawn to make room for fresher grass and plants to grow.
Testing
Remember, healthy lawns require a sturdy foundation. This time of the year is perfect to test the pH and nutrient levels of the soil. Spring is also a great time to apply fertilizer but before you do, you must assess exactly what your lawn requires through testing. You can get professional help if you are not sure about how to test the soil or you can buy a DIY home testing soil kit.
Mowing
Now that winter is finally over, you will go back to your usual mowing schedule. Ideally, you should mow your lawn once a week but some lawns may require more cutting. Other lawns may only require mowing once every ten days or in two weeks. The rule is to not cut more than one-third of the grass blade.
Watering
You don’t have to water the lawn every day. Your lawn needs about 1-1/2 inches of water every week. Try to water the lawn at least twice a week if there is less rainfall. You can use sprinklers to water the lawn automatically.
Aerating
The aerating process reduces soil compaction by creating small pores in the lawn. This opens pathways for nutrients, air, and water to travel deep into the soil and reach the roots of the grass. As a general rule of thumb, you should consider aerating at least once a year. But if your lawn has more foot traffic, you should aerate more often. A core aerator removes dirt about two to three inches deep and allows the soil to breathe better.
Dethatching
Thatch is known as the layer of decomposing and living organic matter that forms between the growing grass and soil. A thin layer of thatch helps retain moisture and insulates the grassroots fluctuations in temperature. Use a dethatching rake to break the thatch if it is thicker than 1/2 inch.
Fertilizing
You should aim to fertilize in early spring if you have cool-season grass. If you have warm-season grass, you can wait until mid-late spring. Consider fertilizing the grass when it begins to grow actively. A slow-release fertilizer is ideal as fast-release fertilizers may have consequences in the long term.
Applying Pre-Emergent
Use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed germination like crabgrass from growing in your lawn.
Summer Maintenance
The summer heat can be brutal for the lawn, depending on where you live. Although it may not be the best time for lawn work, it needs to be done if you want to maintain your property.
Mowing
You need to adjust the mower to the highest or second-highest setting than you normally would to cut grass. Tall grass can lead to healthier, stronger, and deeper roots. This way, the grass can also deal with weeds more effectively. So mow as high as you can but do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade.
Watering
During hot summer days, you should water your lawn at least thrice every week provided that there is no rainfall. Watering up to one inch deep is ideal during summer.
Weed Control
Summer is a good time to prevent weed growth. Use a selective or non-selective herbicide, depending on the type of weed you are dealing with. Non-selective herbicides may harm the surrounding grass; whereas, selective herbicides can target the weed.
Fall Maintenance
Fall is the time of the year to prepare your lawn for the chilly winter months.
Fertilizing
Fertilize the grass to encourage strong root growth. Your lawn will eventually go dormant during winter so it needs to store up the essential nutrients it needs to survive. You can apply fertilizer in potassium and nitrogen for proper nutrients.
Mowing
Mow short during cooler seasons to prevent snow mold. Also, don’t forget to water the lawn accordingly. You can use artificial irrigation systems, such as sprinklers to supply water to shrubs, trees, grass, and plants.
Winter Maintenance
Lawns usually go dormant in most regions across the country during winter. You should take the necessary steps to protect your lawn from the effects of winter.
Reduce Foot Traffic
Walking or running on a dormant, tender lawn can kill the grass by compressing the soil. You should avoid walking over it too often and do not park or store anything too heavy over it.
Melt the Ice
If it snows frequently and your lawn has ice over it, you should carefully take steps to de-ice it because rock salts and snow can damage your lawn. There are several ice-melting products that are specific to lawns.
Conclusion
Lawn maintenance is the essence of having a great landscape. Each season presents its own unique challenges but by taking correct steps for property maintenance, you can have a healthy lawn all year round.
