How to Rejuvenate Your Lawn This Spring!
The temperatures are holding steady in the 50s and 60s – and while there could be a dip to freezing, we’re on our way to warm, automatic-sprinkler weather! To make the most of the advent of spring, take a look at these tips from lawn and garden experts around the internet.
Take Stock of Winter Damage
The snow and ice from Colorado winters takes its toll on lawns and landscaping and our first charge is to take stock of the winter freeze damage and start the clean-up, fix-up, and pretty-up efforts to bring back the green. A well-groomed lawn not only gives us a sense of accomplishment, it boosts curb appeal.
Aeration is important since soil compaction is a natural result of aging and foot traffic in lawns. Plus, layers of thatch from lawn mowing can also compound the problem by depriving the soil of moisture. Compaction also prevents the fertilizer from doing much good. It’s best to aerate in the fall, but if you didn’t, do it now. You can rent an aerator at your local lawn and garden store or you can hire a professional. An aerator will punch holes into your lawn to allow water and air to flow in. You’ll see a drastic difference in lushness and appearance after a good aeration.
Feeding the Grass; Starving the Weeds
Fertilizing your lawn in the spring feeds the grass essential nutrients and encourages accelerated growth. Use a slow release fertilizer, high in nitrogen, but low in phosphorus..
The all-important pre-emergent herbicide is vital to prevent weeds from germinating. Every fall the weeds release their seeds and wait for spring to sprout. These herbicides will ensure that your grass isn’t competing for water and nutrients with pesky dandelions.
Watering and Seeding
Watering our yards at least twice a week is a must in Colorado’s dry climate. About an inch is enough – the trick is to water less and deeply so the roots get the moisture they need. And watering in the morning before the heat starts to bake the turf is better than watering at night when it evaporates more readily.
Replace the dead grass with seed. It’s inevitable that parts of our lawns will get more damaged than others, but all we need to do is rake the dead thatch and let it dry, then sprinkle in grass seed and fertilizer. If you water it regularly, the dead spot will fill in with new grass. But be sure to seed with the same kind of grass or you’ll have mismatched patch!
Lawns Come to Life in Crystal Valley
We call this time of year the greening of the land in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley. Come and explore the new homes surrounded by nature and only minutes from t It’s the time of year that trees, shrubs, flowers and lawns come to ilfe around the homes constructed by Richmond American Homes, Kauffman Homes, Century Communities and D.R. Horton. Tour the new models and choose from ranch or two-story floor plans – priced from the high $300s.
