by Nathan Brandon
CEO of Pure Green
As we continue to transition into spring, many homeowners – especially those with warm season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia – may notice their grass isn’t greening quite as fast as it has in past years. Of course, this may raise concerns, but don’t hit the panic button just yet. Middle Tennessee had a much colder winter than usual this year. Unless you have fescue grass, which is a cold season plant and has already greened up by now, you won’t truly know what shape your lawn is in until the end of May. Once you’ve had a chance to give your lawn an evaluation at the end of the month, there are a few steps to springing it back into shape and maintaining that green, healthy grass everybody wants.
Mowing is the single most important step to keeping a healthy lawn. On average, homeowners should mow at least once a week for optimal plant health. Sharp lawnmower blades are a crucial part of this step, and sharpening once or twice a year for residential mowing is ample. Dull blades can cause a brown tint across your yard due to shredding of the end of the plant as opposed to a clean cut. It’s also important not to mow more than 1/3 of your grass length. Typically, a mowing height of 3 1/2 to 4 inches should be used on fescue grass, and 2 to 2 1/2 inches on Bermuda and zoysia since these are warm season grasses and can tolerate a lower mowing height, therefore become thicker and more dense.
Fertilizing is another essential step to getting your thick, green lawn. I recommend carbon-based organic fertilizers with less than 10 percent nitrogen, and four to six applications a year is sufficient. This will supply your soil and grass with only the essential nutrients. All the good organisms in your soil feed on carbon, and when everything in the soil is balanced and working as it’s supposed to, it makes for more efficient use of fertilizer when you apply. Another benefit of organic fertilizers – if you accidentally misapply, the risk of damaging your lawn isn’t nearly as high as with traditional fertilizers.
Watering is the final necessary step to keeping your lawn healthy this spring. Most types of grasses in Middle Tennessee need 1 inch of water per week to survive. Lately, we haven’t seen a shortage of rain, but when there is a lack thereof, watering two to three times a week is recommended. Extending watering time to 20 or 25 minutes per zone is another way to make sure your lawn is receiving plenty of water. As it starts getting hotter, fescue grass requires more frequent watering. But be careful not to overwater. Overwatering can cause weeds – most of which thrive in moist environments. Quick tip: Place a tuna or pet food can on the ground to measure while watering. These cans are typically an inch deep. Once they fill up, you know that zone of your lawn has received ample water.
Whether your grass isn’t quite as green or thick as you’d like it to be, or if it’s looking better than ever this spring, following these important steps can assist in maintaining a healthy lawn.
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Nathan Brandon, a Nashville native, is CEO of Pure Green, a Middle Tennessee-based lawn service company focused on using environmentally friendly products and procedures. Pure Green offers fertilization and weed control, aeration and seeding, flea, tick and mosquito suppression, and sports turf care services. For more information about Pure Green and the company’s services, visit http://www.puregreenllc.com/.
