The final remnants of snow are finally starting to melt away in many yards, after a long and arduous winter.
Now is the perfect time to make sure your yard will be the envy of all in the neighborhood.
Cam Clark, owner of Cam’s Lawn Care and Landscaping of Houlton, has a few tips for those people looking to get a jump on the spring growing season.
“The biggest thing people can do right now is to get outside and get all that salt, sand and debris off their lawns,” Clark said. “Simply raking or using a power broom can easily accomplish this task. That way the grass can start to see some of that sunlight, and when the weather gets warmer, it’s important to have those things cleared up so your lawn can start growing.”
Remember that pile of leaves from last fall that you just never got around to taking care of? Those are actually one of the worst things for your lawn so it’s best to get those piles of wet, and possibly moldy, leaves cleaned up as soon as possible to allow things to grow.
While many lawns may be a bit squishy in places, Clark said that as long as a person uses care when raking or sweeping their lawns, no damage will be done to the budding grass. Professional lawn care companies are also an option for those who may not have the time, or the desire, to do the work themselves.
If your lawn has bare spots, adding some fresh soil with compost, and then sprinkling in some new grass seed may be necessary. Clark said there are a variety of grass types designed for special needs, such as bright sunny areas, or lawns that have a lot of shade.
Clark said waiting for nighttime temperatures in the 50s is probably ideal if you are looking to apply grass seed.
Another big mistake people do when caring for their lawns is using a dull or worn out mower blade. According to Clark, blades should be sharpened on a yearly basis so that you get a nice, clean cut to the grass.
Mowing too low is another no-no. Clark said his crew follows the two-thirds rule, meaning they leave two-thirds of a blade of grass each time they mow.
Clark also noted that it is wise to mix up your mowing patterns with each mow so that the blades of grass do not start growing in only one direction.
Lawn aeration promotes lush, green grass, but it is a task that is often overlooked by many homeowners. Ideally, this should be done in the fall, according to Clark, so that lawns can breath. This practice is used on golf courses around the world, which is why courses often look 10 times nicer than our own front lawn.
Lawn aeration also helps prevent “thatch,” a thin layer of dead and decomposing grass between growing soil. As thatch spreads, it prevents air and water from getting to the roots of the grass, causing it to thin out and die.
Local equipment rental stores often have lawn aerators available and most professional lawn care businesses also provide this service.
Curb appeal is another element that is often overlooked, Clark said.
“Something as simple as putting down some pavers, a retaining wall or patio boxes with flowers can really add to the value of your home,” he said. “A lot of people are now at home, so it is a great time for them to get outside and spruce up their yard.”
