A Homeowner's Guide to Lawn Care
New Homeowners Guide to Lawn Care in the Southeast
Lawn care can become overwhelming when you live in an area with a variety of seasons and sustainable grass types. There's a lot to consider when maintaining a healthy, thriving lawn. From weed control and fertilization to watering, mowing, and seeding, you may need to call in a professional. For homeowners in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, Turf Masters Lawn Care is a trusted lawn care partner. We've compiled our best lawn care tips for new homeowners.
Choosing the Right Grass Type in the Transition Zone
The Transition Zone is a unique area where the climate can support a variety of grass types. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with hot summers and cold winters. This means you need to choose the right grass and care for it properly to keep your lawn looking its best year-round. In the Southeast, you have a few options when it comes to grass types. The best choice for your lawn will depend on how much sun your yard gets, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and the look you want for your lawn.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a popular choice because it thrives in full sun and warm temperatures. It grows quickly, is drought-resistant, and can handle heavy foot traffic, making it perfect for active families. However, Bermuda grass does require regular mowing and can be a bit aggressive, spreading into garden beds if not carefully managed. It's considered a warm-season grass, so it's green during spring and summer months, and goes dormant in the winter.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is another great option for a warm-season grass, especially if you want a dense, lush lawn. It can handle some shade, though it prefers sunny areas. Zoysia grass is also drought-resistant and has a soft, cushiony feel underfoot. It grows slower than Bermuda grass, so it doesn't need to be mowed as often, but it can take a little longer to establish. It also greens up during spring and summer, while going into dormancy during the cooler months.
Fescue Grass
If your lawn has more shade, Fescue grass might be the best choice. It's a cool-season grass, so it stays green into the fall and starts growing earlier in the spring. However, Fescue is less tolerant of heat and drought, so it will need more water during the hot summer months. It's also more prone to disease, so you'll need to keep an eye on it.
Proper Lawn Mowing Tips
Mowing your lawn correctly is key to keeping it healthy. Here are a few tips to help:
Don't cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time: Cutting too much at once can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to disease.
Keep your mower blades sharp: Dull blades can tear the grass, leaving it ragged and vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Mow at the right height: For Bermuda grass, mow at 1 to 2 inches. Zoysia does best at 2 to 2.5 inches, while Fescue should be kept at 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
How Much to Water Your Lawn
Watering your lawn properly is crucial, especially during the hot Southeast summers.
Water deeply but infrequently: It's better to water your lawn deeply once or twice a week rather than a little bit every day. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the grass more drought-resistant.
Water in the morning: Watering early in the day allows the grass to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease. Avoid watering in the evening, as it can leave your lawn wet overnight and encourage fungal growth.
Lawn Fertilization and Weed Control
Fertilizing your lawn provides it with the nutrients it needs to grow thick and green. When choosing a fertilizer, look for a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A slow-release formula is best, as it provides nutrients over time, helping your lawn stay healthy longer. Fertilizer needs and timing can vary based on your grass type. Weed control is the other half of the battle. Applying a pre-emergent each season can prevent certain weed seeds from germinating. Throughout the rest of the year, you'll have to address weeds as they come. Maintaining a healthy lawn with mowing, watering, and aeration can help defend against weeds as well.
Common Lawn Pests
In the Southeast, several pests can damage your lawn:
Grubs: These beetle larvae can eat the roots of your grass, causing brown patches. If you notice wilting grass that pulls up easily, grubs might be to blame.
Chinch bugs: These tiny insects suck the sap from grass blades, causing yellow or brown spots in sunny areas.
Armyworms: These caterpillars can quickly eat large patches of your lawn, especially in late summer.
If you suspect a pest problem, you'll need to treat it promptly with the appropriate insecticide. Turf Masters Lawn Care offers armyworm treatment to protect your grass from fall insect damage. Contact us if you're dealing with active armyworms.
The Benefits of Aeration and Overseeding
Another crucial part of lawn care is annual aeration and seeding. Warm-season lawns should receive aeration during spring and summer. Cool-season lawns need aeration and overseeding in the fall before the peak growing season. Aeration helps reduce compaction and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots, while overseeding helps establish new grass to improve thickness, density, and overall lawn health.
Professional Lawn Care Services Near You
If you're looking for help with your lawn, call the Nice Guys at Turf Masters Lawn Care today. We offer comprehensive lawn care services and tree and shrub care throughout the Southeast, including Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Contact us today for a free quote!
