How to Prepare Your Lawn for Summer in Lawrence Township, NJ
The winter has been long, and your lawn is showing it with some patchiness. You may be concerned that by the time July rolls around, the summer heat will have your grass looking thin and brown. Then there is the matter of having a yard that puts on a good show when the neighbours are about.
We at Princeton Turf Care have spent the last 25 years putting those worries to rest for homeowners here in Lawrence Township, NJ. If you would like to discuss your lawn with us, pick up the phone at (702)-996-4345. Or, if you prefer to put in the work yourself, we have put together this guide to help you get your yard in shape for the season.
A Good Clean-Up to Begin With
Your lawn requires a fresh start before you make any other moves. Winter debris has a way of smothering new growth if you let it lie, so clear the following:
- Debris from winter storms, like twigs and fallen branches
- Matted leaves left over from the cold
- Old thatch and dead grass
- Any rocks or trash the wind has deposited
- Weeds that made an early spring appearance
With the lawn tidied up, you can better spot what needs work.
Raking and Dethatching
There is a layer of roots and dead grass called thatch between the soil and the green. While some is no problem, an excess of it will prevent nutrients and air from getting to where they are needed. Rake thoroughly to remove the loose stuff. Should you come across a spongy layer running more than half an inch deep, dethatch it. The grass will be able to breathe and take in what it needs.
Soil Aeration
New Jersey summers are hot and dry enough as they are; compacted soil only makes it tougher for your lawn to retain water. Aerating opens up the ground for moisture and air. Do it in the spring while you are at it, and any overseeding you do will have a fine place to put down roots.
Fertilizing
After a hard winter, your lawn is ready for a meal. Put down a balanced fertilizers to build it up before the stress of summer sets in. Follow the label for your particular type of grass and apply in the early part of the season. Make sure to water it in so the nutrients are absorbed, but do not go overboard, as you can burn the lawn. And hold off on fertilising if a heavy rain is in the forecast.
Put in Some New Seed
Do not let bare patches become a weed magnet. Overseeding the thin spots will give your lawn a uniform look and keep the weeds at bay. Moisten the soil and allow the new grass to get established before the sun is at its peak.
Water Wisely
Many homeowners make the mistake of light watering every day, which does nothing but keep the roots shallow and the lawn weak. Water less frequently but make it count. An early morning session is ideal before the sun evaporates the moisture. Deep watering forces the roots to grow in, something essential for surviving a hot summer in Lawrence Township.
Mowing
When you fire up the mower, make sure the blades are in order and resist the urge to cut too close to the ground. Leaving the grass a bit taller will shade the soil and preserve moisture. As a general rule, never take off more than a third of the blade in one pass.
Or Let Us Handle It
Not everyone has the free weekends to see a project like this through. We are here for that. Our 4.9-star rating on Google and 100% satisfaction guarantee speak for why our neighbours in the township trust Princeton Turf Care. We are licensed, insured, and open from Monday to Friday at 7:30 am to 5 pm for a free estimate.
If you would rather be in your yard this summer than tending to it, call us at (702)-996-4345. We will have your lawn ready and healthy for the season ahead.
