Are you sure you are doing all the right things in caring for your lawn? If your lawn is not perfect, then maybe there are some tips to be garnered in these files. We offer a general summary of tasks, and then files going into serious detail. After reading these files, you will be an expert on lawn care techniques.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOWING THE LAWN
Do I need to have my mower blade sharpened every year? The sharper the blade the cleaner the cut; however every two or three years is okay.
How tall do I want to mow my grass? The minimum is 2 inches for northern lawns; 2 1/2 is better. 3 inches is best in July and August.
Should I collect the grass clippings? No. Leave them on the lawn.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FERTILIZING THE LAWN
WHAT KIND OF FERTILIZER SHOULD I USE? Use only a slow release nitrogen granulated fertilizer. Never use quick release nitrogen granular or liquid fertilizer. Do not use an "Weed and Feed" products.
WHEN SHOULD I FERTILIZE AND HOW MUCH SHOULD I USE? If your soil is bad fertilize twice, once in the spring and once in the fall. If your soil is good (most is not) only in the fall.
SHOULD I PUT LIME ON MY LAWN IN THE SPRING? Only if a soil test shows that your soil is very acidic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WATERING THE LAWN
How do I know the lawn needs to be watered? If the grass needs water you will see foot prints in the grass as you walk over the lawn that do not disappear in less than a minute.
How much do I water? A northern lawn wants one inch of water a week from you and the rain in spring and fall; two inches a week in the heat of summer. Leave an empty tunafish can in the sprinkling area and when it is full, you have watered an inch of water.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AERATION
If I do want to aerate, what time of the year is best? Spring is best so the turf has time to repair itself by winter.
Should I rake up the cores? No. They will break up from the rain.
Do I aerate the lawn with a single pass? No. Go over it in one direction and then again in the opposite direction.