4 Myths You May Have Heard About Lawn Maintenance in Hopewell Junction, NY
When you love having a thick, lush stand of grass and a profusion of blooming flowers in your Hopewell Junction, NY, landscape but just can’t seem to get your yard to that point, it could be time to take a hard look at your lawn maintenance habits. There are some common myths that could be hindering you from having the landscape you really want.
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Grass Is Just Grass
When you look at grass, you might think it is all the same—just grass—but this is not true. There are a number of different varieties of grass that have unique requirements so that what causes one type of grass to grow might cause another to struggle. Some grasses have strong resistance to diseases and pests but need more water, while other grasses need special care for pests but very little water. The climate of Hopewell Junction and the type of soil can directly affect how well certain grasses grow and why others won’t seem to grow.
Fertilizer Isn’t Necessary
If you want a dense stand of grass, one that is thick enough to choke out weeds, then fertilizing is a must several times per year. Since grass types are distinct and fertilizer is made up of three primary nutrients, you need the right fertilizer in the correct ratio to boost the growth and thickness of your grass.
Fertilizer is composed of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—known as the Big 3—all of which are needed for grass to thrive. Nitrogen can be the most important nutrient as plants and grass absorb more of this nutrient than they do of others. It helps with protein production and overall plant health. Phosphorus assists a plant with photosynthesis in the way it produces and stores energy for growth. Potassium is necessary for disease and pest resistance. In combination, these nutrients boost the health of your grass, allowing it to grow strong, lush, and green.
Cut the Grass Short
You might be tempted to cut the grass short to eliminate the need to mow again for another week, but this is a habit that can only cause your grass to suffer and die. When the hot summer sun can bake the dirt underneath your grass, your grass can turn brown and wither. Keeping the grass on the long side can protect the tender roots, and leaving the shorter grass clippings on the grass after mowing can also add more nutrients and protection to your landscape.
You Can Water at Any Time
Unfortunately, watering your grass in the evening can set your lawn up for mold and fungus as the moisture sits on the blades for too long. The ideal time to water grass is in the very early morning because it has time to penetrate the soil deeply to reach the roots while the sun can burn off the excess water from the blades once it warms up. Watering in the middle of the day can lead to the water evaporating too quickly to make any difference, in essence, wasting the water you intended to feed your grass.
A landscape professional can customize a maintenance plan for your Hopewell Junction, NY, yard that fits the specific needs of your lawn and the budget you have set. Trusting a professional with the health of your grass can give you the landscape you have always wanted.
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