For many homeowners, the lawn is the pride and joy of the property. It enhances the exterior of the house and can provide a welcoming atmosphere and lots of curb appeal. So what do you do if your lawn isn’t in the best shape? Renovate, of course! What exactly does that mean? Learn more about lawn renovation from the experts at Lola’s Landscape.
What is Lawn Renovation?
Lawn renovation is much like home renovation – all you’re doing is improving the condition without damaging or removing existing structures or vegetation. If left for too long unattended, a lawn can quickly go from lush and healthy to brown, thin, and dry. Lawn renovation is useful for yards that have at least 50% coverage already. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at a more start-from-scratch lawn situation. One of the best times to do a lawn renovation is the fall season since it will help prepare the lawn to withstand the winter and be ready to thrive in spring.
So, how do you start renovating?
Test the Soil
A soil test will quickly reveal your soil’s pH levels, as well as the presence of certain plant nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. Ordering a test kit is easy. Usually, they can be ordered through your county extension service, a system that offers agriculture and community-based services. For around $10, they’ll send you everything you need to test your soil. Once you know what your soil is lacking, you’ll be able to choose the right fertilizer for your lawn.
Clean and Aerate
As mentioned above, early fall is a great time to start renovating the lawn. Make sure that during this time you keep the lawn free of leaves and other organic debris. One of the things you should pay special attention to is thatch, a layer of dead grass that sits on top of the soil and the living grass blades. Ideally, this layer should be less than half an inch thick, but if you’re finding it to be thicker, you should pull it up when you rake. Clearing up this debris will ensure that your lawn gets the sunlight and nutrients it needs.
Additionally, aeration is an important part of this process. With a specialized machine, dirt will be pulled up in cores to increase drainage and loosen the soil. Removing some of the soil allows the grassroots to grow deeper into the soil, where they can access more nutrients. This will help the grass to grow in much thicker.
Seeding
Once your lawn is clear from debris and you know the pH of the soil, you can begin reseeding the lawn. Early autumn is the perfect time for this: the soil is still warm from the lingering summer heat, and the cooler air will help the grass flourish. Weeds are fewer at this time of year, as well, so there is less competition for the grass. By the time the cold winter hits, the seeds will have germinated and taken root and will be stable enough to withstand low temperatures.
Massachusetts Lawn Renovation
Are you ready to create your dream yard? Hiring a landscaping professional is the best way to get started. Lola’s Landscape has the expertise and materials to create the lawn of your dreams. Get in touch with us today to get started!
