Do This, Not That: Pros Share the 6 Best Ways to Care for Your Lawn This Spring
From grasscycling to smart lawns, the National Association of
Landscape Professionals reveals efficient and effective lawn care
practices for National Lawn Care Month in April
HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#lawncaremonth–With spring underway and National Lawn Care Month kicking off in April,
the National Association of Landscape Professionals shares its top six
recommendations to help homeowners and property managers grow and
maintain healthy, thriving lawns. As the voice of the landscape
industry, NALP’s recommendations draw from the expertise and best
practices of experienced lawn care professionals across the U.S.
The list dispels common myths and offers expert advice on new trends to
promote more informed, productive lawn care practices.
“Lawns are the foundation of landscapes, but their benefits extend far
beyond backyard fun and aesthetics. They serve vital functions —
capturing pollutants, producing oxygen and cooling homes — that
positively impact our communities and the environment at large,” says
Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs, NALP. “Understanding
the best ways to care for lawns allows homeowners to maximize the full
spectrum of benefits and improve the overall health of their landscapes.”
NALP recommends the following lawn care practices:
1. Get water-wise. Save water by giving your lawn a deep
watering every few days, not daily. Frequent, light watering — as
opposed to a deep soak that penetrates the soil — can cause water to
evaporate and leads to shallow root growth.
2. Know before you mow. Keep grass at a longer, finished cut
height. Never remove more than one-third of a grass blade while mowing.
That typically means a finished height of 2 to 3 inches. Mow in the
morning, and not right after it rains.
3. Consider grasscycling. Keeping some grass clippings on
the lawn after mowing allows nitrogen and nutrients to be returned to
the soil for a healthier lawn. It also protects against fungal disease.
If the grass is long, you may have to double-cut it to properly mulch
clippings. Never leave excess clippings on top of the lawn.
4. Check your balance. Healthy grass starts with the soil. A
simple soil test can determine its pH balance, which can help indicate
nutrients your lawn may need. Make sure your fertilizer provides the
proper nutrients and is appropriate for the season and your lawn type.
5. Think “smart” (lawns). One of the
top landscape trends of 2017, cultivars, or cultivated grass
varieties, are selectively bred to withstand the elements while still
delivering an aesthetically beautiful and healthy lawn. A landscape
professional can help you determine if these grass varieties are best
for installing or overseeding a lawn.
6. Care about more than color. Don’t worry if your grass
isn’t always green. A brown lawn does not mean it is dead. It could be
dormant due to factors like extreme heat or drought.
Homeowners and property managers should consult with a professional
regarding lawn care guidance for their individual properties. For more
tips and to find a qualified landscape professional, visit LoveYourLandscape.org/Find-a-Pro.
About NALP
The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an
industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation
and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces
for the benefit of society and the environment. NALP offers education,
networking, training and certification programs that increase the
professionalism in the industry and inspire its members to excellence.
For more information, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.
Contacts
Vault Communications
Stephanie Kensy, 610-455-2767
skensy@vaultcommunications.com
