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7 Secrets to a Green and Lush Lawn

August 15, 2024

Who doesn't love a thick, healthy, vibrant lawn? That deep green grass can make your yard the envy of the neighborhood, but achieving a lush landscape requires some work. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 31% of Americans who have a yard say they don’t know how to grow a healthy, lush lawn. Don't worry, though! Our experienced team of lawn experts can let you in on a few secrets to get your grass gorgeous and keep it that way all season long. Here are seven tips for getting the lawn of your dreams.

1. Test and Amend Your Soil


One key to lush grass is having fertile, nutrient-rich soil. Pick up a DIY soil test kit so you can check the pH level and nutrient content of your lawn's soil. Our lawn experts advise testing in multiple spots to get an average. If the soil is too acidic or lacking key elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, you can amend it with lime or fertilizers formulated for your lawn's specific needs. Our team at Emerald Green Inc would be happy to help you find the right solution for your yard.



2. Sharpen Your Mower Blades


Dull mower blades tear and shred grass rather than cutting cleanly. That stress can allow disease and weeds to take hold. From our experience, we recommend sharpening your mower blades at least once a month during peak growing season. Take off the blades and use a file, grinder, or sharpening tool. You can also bring them to your local hardware store.



3. Water Early in the Day


A proper lawn watering technique maximizes the benefits while reducing waste. According to Better Homes & Gardens, it's wise to water first thing in the morning, before 10:00 AM, if possible. This allows the grass blades to dry during the day, which minimizes the risk of fungal diseases. Early watering also reduces evaporation loss compared to midday. According to This Old House, you should aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, split into a couple of deep waterings, rather than frequent light sprinklings. Proper watering nourishes your lawn without causing runoff or disease.



4. Fertilize at the Right Time


Applying the wrong fertilizer at the wrong time of year can damage grass rather than feeding it. Always pick a fertilizer formulated for your specific grass type Proper seasonal fertilization gives your lawn nutrients right when it needs them most. Call our team today to hear more about our industry-leading lawn treatments.



5. Keep Grass Longer in Summer


Letting your grass grow a bit taller, around three to four inches, in the heat of summer helps it stay lush. Slightly longer blades provide more shade and drought resistance for the roots. Just be sure to keep mowing regularly so no more than 1/3 of the blade length gets cut each time. The longer summer grass protects itself, while a late summer or early fall mowing reset helps prepare for cooler weather.



6. Seed Your Lawn in the Fall


From our experience providing seeding services for over 24 years, we've seen that fall is the ideal time to seed your lawn and fill in thin or bare patches. Our lawn experts recommend aerating first to open up the soil. Then spread new grass seed designed for your lawn type. Maintain proper watering to let the new seeds establish roots before winter. The cooler fall temperatures give new grass the ideal conditions to grow. Overseeding ensures your lawn stays thick and healthy going into the next year. Our team would be happy to provide these services for you!



7. Leave Grass Clippings


Want free fertilizer for your lawn? Our lawn experts suggest leaving grass clippings on the lawn when you mow. As long as your mower blades are sharp, the clippings break down quickly to return nitrogen, moisture, and organic matter back to the soil. This natural recycling nourishes your grass. Pros say mulching mowers work best, but you can use any standard mower. Simply adjust the cutting height to take off only the top 1/3 of the blade or less each mowing session. In addition, you can couple grass clippings with more in-depth lawn fertilizers as well.

Achieving a lush, thick lawn takes some work, but the results are worth it. Follow our lawn experts' secrets to properly care for your grass. With excellent lawn care practices, you'll have the greenest lawn on the block. Maintaining a green and lush yard is time-consuming on your own. Reach out to our team at Emerald Green today for an estimate and to take the first step toward the green and lush lawn you desire.


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As the summer fades and autumn approaches, homeowners often look forward to the cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. However, this season also brings a less welcome visitor to many lawns: the Fall Armyworm. These pests can cause significant damage to your lawn, turning lush green grass into brown, dead patches in a matter of days. At Emerald Green Inc., we're here to help you understand what Fall Armyworms are, how they can affect your lawn, and what steps you can take to protect your outdoor space. What Are Fall Armyworms? Fall Armyworms are the larvae of a moth species known as Spodoptera frugiperda. They are notorious for their insatiable appetite and ability to rapidly damage lawns and crops. These caterpillars are typically green, brown, or black with a distinctive white, inverted "Y" shape on their heads. While they are most active in the late summer and early fall, they can cause problems year-round in warmer climates. How Fall Armyworms Affect Your Lawn Fall Armyworms feed on the grass blades, leaving behind a skeleton of stems and causing the grass to appear brown and ragged. They are particularly fond of warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine. A small infestation can quickly escalate, as these pests reproduce rapidly and can cover large areas in search of food. Signs of a Fall Armyworm infestation include: Bare Spots: Rapidly forming patches of dead grass. Increased Bird Activity: Birds may flock to your lawn to feed on the larvae. Visible Worms: You may spot the worms themselves, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Protecting Your Lawn from Fall Armyworms To protect your lawn from Fall Armyworms, early detection and swift action are crucial. Here are some steps you can take: Regular Monitoring: Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of Armyworms, especially during peak season. Proper Lawn Maintenance: Healthy lawns are more resilient. Mow regularly, water adequately, and fertilize as needed. Insecticide Treatment: If you spot an infestation, consider using an appropriate insecticide. Contact Emerald Green for advice on the safest and most effective options. Keep Your Lawn Green and Healthy with Emerald Green Inc. Don't let Fall Armyworms ruin your lawn this season. At Emerald Green Inc., our team of experts are ready to help you identify, manage, and prevent infestations. We offer comprehensive lawn care services , ensuring your lawn remains lush and healthy all year long. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or to learn more about our services. Let’s keep your lawn looking its best!
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