LAWN CARE GUIDE
SPRING
SPRING LAWN CARE GUIDE
Proper lawn care practices are essential for creating healthy, attractive, and sustainable lawns in the greater Richmond, VA area. Follow these helpful Spring-time tips for a beautiful lawn.
Spring Irrigation Tips:
We typically recommend starting up your irrigation system by mid-April, depending on weather conditions. Be sure to schedule this service early to avoid pushing it into May, when regular lawn watering becomes more critical. A key point to remember is that daily watering is not advisable; deep, infrequent watering is best for your lawn's health. During the spring, watering 2-3 days per week should be adequate. As temperatures rise, gradually increase your watering run times. By early June, aim for a total of around 1.5 inches of water per week. This approach ensures your lawn receives the right amount of hydration leading into the summer months. For tips on how to measure and calibrate your irrigation run times, please click here to visit our blog post.
Spring Mowing Tips:
The importance of sharp mower blades for the health and appearance of your grass cannot be overstated. Start the year with a razor-sharp mower blade and remember to have it sharpened several times throughout the year. You can identify a need for sharpening if the grass blades are not sliced cleanly; instead, they appear torn. Dull blades tear at the grass, increasing the surface area and the likelihood of stress and lawn disease.
In early spring, begin mowing at around 3.5 inches and gradually increase the height to 4 inches by June 1st. Consider upgrading if your mower isn't capable of mowing at least 4 inches tall. The variety of grass we use is Tall Fescue, which requires a minimum cut height of 4 inches to thrive through the summer.
Remember to mow high and mow often, never removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade at any given time. Bagging your grass clippings during the spring is not recommended as it removes critical nutrients from the soil. If you miss a mow or are delayed due to rain and things get out of control, be sure not to leave any grass clumps on the lawn. These clumps can smother the grass underneath, causing unnecessary damage. A leaf blower can be utilized to disperse these excess clippings if necessary.
Commercial mowers, which can mow at 4.5 inches or taller, are ideal, and this is the height your landscaper should aim for. If they're not mowing high enough, encourage them to adjust their practices, as your lawn's health depends on it.
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For advice on the best mowers or any other lawn care questions, don't hesitate to contact us at Turf Professors. Our team is passionate and knowledgeable about the best mowing equipment.
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