The beautiful New England seasons are one of the main draws for tourists, especially in the colorful autumn or sunny summer. However, if you are a New England native, you have more on your mind than the fall foliage and beach days. Instead, you’re probably wondering how to keep your lawn alive as the temperatures drop or making sure the grass doesn’t burn under the summer sun. To help you keep your yard in its best condition, here is a simple guide to caring for your lawn throughout the seasons in New England.
Summer
1. Mow High: Keep the lawnmower settings to cut high to encourage the roots to grow deeper underground. As a result, they’ll be stronger and more nourished.
2. Watch for Pests: Beetle larvae, also known as grubs, can wreak havoc on your grass. Now is the time to treat for these and other pests.
3. Keep it Watered: Make sure to keep your lawn watered during summer. The heat of the sun can quickly dehydrate the soil, killing the grass.
Fall
1. Seed: If you’ve noticed a few bare patches in your lawn, fall is an excellent time to seed. When you plant now, the seeds will start sprouting and growing along with the rest of the grass in spring.
2. Fertilize: A good fertilizer will give your grass the nutrition it needs to grow strong in spring. Fertilize once at the end of summer or early spring and then again around November for the best results.
3. Mow Short: Adjust your lawnmower blades to cut off more length than you usually do. You can take up to two inches extra off during the fall. The shorter cut will keep the remaining grass in good condition and prevent snow mold growth.
Winter
1. Keep Off the Grass: Walking on dormant grass can kill it, so avoid any undue stress on your winter-sleepy lawn. Keep a clear path shoveled, so guests aren’t tempted to walk on the grass, and consider posting barriers to keep cars off.
2. Choose the Right Ice Melt: Certain ice melt products can kill your lawn and are best avoided, particularly the ever-popular rock salt. Instead, look for ice melt that contains calcium chloride.
3. Prepare Spring Lawn Tools: While you may not have to do a lot of actual yard work during winter, you should take the time to prepare your tools for spring. Consider sharpening blades of cutting tools and preparing a feeding/mowing schedule for the upcoming season.
Spring
1. Clean: When the warmer temperatures come, dig into some spring cleaning by removing any dead grass or other plant debris from the winter. Sticks, twigs, pinecones, pine needles, and leaves should all be removed.
2. Fertilize: The warm weather signals plants to wake up from their winter sleep and start growing. Plant roots are seeking nourishment, so give them a little extra with lawn fertilizer. Make sure to choose the right product for your type of grass and climate.
3. Mow High: Set your lawnmower to the highest cut possible. By only removing a little grass at a time, you’ll encourage roots to grow deep and strong.
4. Remove Weeds: Just as grass is waking up, so are the weeds! You can weed by hand but be careful; this could accidentally pull up grass and damage the tender roots below. You can also try a weed-killer spray for spot treatment.
Contact Lamacchia Landscape Construction
As a homeowner, you want to make sure your lawn stays in pristine condition, no matter the weather. For expert assistance and advice, contact the professionals at Lamacchia Landscape Construction today, and get ready to have a beautiful lawn you’ve always dreamed of!
