It may not seem like it, given the vast amount of snow that fell in southern Aroostook County this past winter, but before long lawns that are now brown and muddy will turn to vibrant shades of green.
The quest for the perfect lawn can be a highly rewarding, and yet frustrating process. For every perfect patch of grass, lies the risk of weeds and disease creeping in.
Many feel the key to a healthy looking lawn means using one of the many anti-weed chemical products found in most hardware and department stores. However, those products may not be the best choice in the long run.
“I don’t think people realize that their lawns contribute more pollutants to the watershed than agricultural land,” said Angela Wotton of the Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District. “The harsh chemicals people use on their lawn to control weeds and to fertilize are not good for the environment. In fact, people with lawns that are at least 10 years old, you don’t need to fertilize.”
Wotton encourages people to refrain from harsh chemicals when trying to create the perfect lawn. Instead, she suggests cutting out the weeded areas with a shovel and replacing it with grass seed.
For those who insist on fertilizing their lawns, Wotton said the most common misconception is that spring is the time to fertilize.
“If you have to fertilize, do it in the fall,” she said. “That way our lawn can absorb the fertilizer throughout the winter and into spring.”
Those looking to keep up with the “green” movement, have likely done their fair share inside their homes, but it can also extend outdoors to your lawn.
Overseeding is the best way to care for bad spots in your lawn, she added. At the first sign of thinning or bare spots, loosen the soil with a rake and apply seeds liberally every few weeks in the spring and late summer.
When it comes to looking lush and green, healthy lawns have an advantage over unhealthy lawns. Not only is a healthy lawn more pleasing to look at, but it also means the grass has strong, deep roots, which will absorb water better. This makes it tougher for weeds to move in.
The following are some recommended tips for caring for you lawn in the spring.
Raking — Raking debris that has accumulated on your lawn from winter’s melting snow is arguably the single most important step one can take, yet it is often the most overlooked. If you’re lucky, you raked the leaves that fell in the fall before the first snowfall. If not, your chore will be considerably more difficult.
Liming —The presence of moss plants is often an indicator of high levels of acidity in your soil. Wotton suggests taking a sample of your soil from various spots on your lawn and having it tested to determine the levels of chemicals. The SASWCD or the UMaine Cooperative Extension are two places where soil samples can be tested.
“What you need to do is dig a few test holes, mix the soil in a bucket and drop it off,” Wotton said. “Most people don’t do this, but it’s important to know the levels in your soil before adding things to it. People may go and add nitrogen to their soil, but it may already have sufficient amounts.”
Mowing— Mowing your lawn too short is one of the most common ways that weeds are introduced. A buzzed lawn will struggle to re-grow as it attempts to recover from being cut too short. While this is happening, weeds often move in. Taller is better when it comes to grass.
Mulch — Using mulch is important for maintaining a healthy lawn. It adds nutrients and aids to prevent weeds and control insects. Mulching can be as simple as leaving lawn clippings on the grass after you mow, or by using a mulching attachment on your mower.
Watering — It may not seem likely right now, given the wet spring, but come summer there may be times when your lawn needs a good drink. One often-overlooked tip is watering your lawn in the hot, midday sun is not the best plan. Much of the moisture will evaporate before the soil (and grass) can absorb it.
Check the weather forecast before digging out the hose and sprinkler. If showers are in the forecast, hold off on firing up the sprinkler.
For more information on landscaping ideas, contact the SASWCD at 532-9407 or the UMaine Cooperative Extension at 1-800-287-1469.
