How often have you driven by a home which displays a lush green carpet as a lawn, and asked yourself, “Why doesn’t my lawn look like that?” Perhaps you are not thinking like grass thinks, if it could think that is, you need to ask yourself, “What does my grass need?” There are so many things that grass can need; water, sun and fertilizer, and once you understand these elements, you are well on your way to a beautiful lawn. Read the following hints and tips for lawn care in Morris County NJ.
The soil:
When you set out to first plant your lawn, preparation and forward planning are the keys to success. Regardless of what method you employ for planting the lawn, the soil has to be prepared properly. The soil must be free from weeds and lumps and has to be free from crusting into a hard, unworkable surface. The first thing suggested by lawn care in Morris County NJ is to check the pH of your soil. This step is important but often forgotten by week-end gardeners. Kits are available from on-line stores; often the state agricultural services department will test the soil. If you live in an area where there is an agricultural college, they can certainly perform the test.
To start the process, eliminate all the weeds in the area, and this includes their roots. This is very important and must be done even if it means stripping off a layer of soil. Once the weeds have been eliminated, till the soil to a depth of at least six inches which loosens it and aids in drainage. At this stage, add equal parts of sand, loam and the base soil and when the surface is being finished, try to get a slight slope. Use a roller to compact the area and then loosen again with a rake.
Seed or sod:
Nothing can beat sod for an instant lawn, but it is expensive, especially if you are going to cover a wide expanse. The alternative is seed, either by hand casting or hydro-seeding. Hydro-seeding has been used by farmers for years, and it solves the problem of poor seed dispersal. Hydro-seeding can be arranged from most lawn care services in Morris County NJ.
Cutting the grass:
Most people with beautiful lawns will tell you that poor lawns are usually cut far too short, which introduces stress into the grass blades. Cut your lawn less, not more. Raise the cutting blade to the highest possible position and mow only the top one-third of the grass blades’ height, tall grass promotes root development, and it also shades the ground so it does not dry out quickly. As an added bonus, taller grass blocks the sun from penetrating to the soil so weed seeds have a hard time germinating.
For the best in professional lawn care in Morris County NJ, you may contact Sunlight Water and Us to make your home the envy of the neighborhood.
