6 Helpful Hints for a Luscious Lawn
You’ve broken ground and built the foundations of your beautiful new home. Now that all the debris is gone and the house is standing proud, you’re probably pivoting to your next dream home project: the lawn.
Many people make the mistake of thinking their landscaping can be as simple as throwing some grass seed on the yard. But if you’re looking for luscious grass that wows your new neighbors, you’ll need to go a little deeper into the lawn seeding rabbit hole.
Here are six tips that will help you go from machine to green after your home construction.
Create the proper plan
It may seem obvious, but the success of your lawn will depend on how well you prepare it beforehand. For example, developing an irrigation system before construction begins is a wise plan. It helps ensure that water flow isn’t interrupted once growth starts.
Your plan should include understanding your lawn’s soil type, buying the correct type of grass, and using the proper tools.
Think about your lawn’s soil type
Your soil type will determine how much work you need to do to prepare your lawn. If your soil is heavy clay or sand, you might need to layer the proper amount of topsoil before planting grass seed. Once you’ve laid down the topsoil, use a rototiller to work the new topsoil into the soil that lays underneath. It’s a process that helps the new plants take root more effectively.
Be sure to invest in the right high-quality grass seed
Once you’ve determined your soil type, it’s time to choose a high-quality grass seed suitable for your location. Typically, you’ll decide between warm-season grass or cool-season grass. The types of warm-season grass include the following:
- Zoysia: A low-maintenance grass that is drought resistant and disease tolerant.
- Bermuda: An aggressive type of warm-season turf grass that needs sun and warmth but can tolerate some shade.
- Buffalo grass: A quality choice if you expect a lot of foot traffic or drought situations.
Cool-season grass seed includes fescue or bluegrass varieties that you can usually use for northern climates. If survivability is your priority, you can select a blend for grass that toughs out any seasonal change.
Use the correct tools
In the same manner that you choose solid building materials, you’ll need to select the correct lawn equipment. If you don’t have heavy clay soil, an aerator will likely help ensure that the earth is loose enough for grass to take hold. If you have rich soil, you may need a dethatcher.
Clear away construction debris
Removing any dirt and gravel will make it easier for the roots of your new lawn to spread out quickly in search of water. Check near the home’s foundation for debris or even tools left by workers. Clear away anything that may impede the growth of your lawn.
Use fertilizer after planting grass
After you’ve planted your seed or sod, it’s essential to use a starter fertilizer that will provide essential nutrients. Failure to do so could result in weak growth or even death once seeds sprout from the ground.
Wrap up
Planting a luscious lawn isn’t a walk in the park, but it also isn’t impossible. By following these six tips, you can turn your post-construction dirt desert into a green oasis.
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