Is Your Lawn Begging For a Little Love This Summer

Is your lawn beckoning for love and attention? If so, the folks at David Weekley Homes have some advice that I'd like to share with you today.

A lush lawn contributes to your home’s overall aesthetic appeal – not to mention its property value. But many of us have been wasting our most precious resource by inadvertently over watering our lawns. There are many smart ways to reduce your lawn’s water consumption during hot, dry summers. Check out these green-thumb guidelines for a better balance between conservation and curb appeal. Toss out that watering schedule and grab a screwdriver Lawns don’t read calendars. So, rather than following an arbitrary watering schedule, try the more reliable soil moisture method. Because moist soil is easier to penetrate than dry, you can determine the moisture level by simply inserting a screwdriver or gardening trowel into your turf until it meets resistance from the dry soil beneath. An optimum moisture level is approximately five inches deep. Also, remember to water your lawn during the early morning hours or at dusk to avoid losing water to evaporation.

The “Four Ms” of responsible lawn care Mow properly People often mow their grass too short, which discourages root growth and weakens the lawn. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the length to encourage deeper roots and a hardier turf. Mulch Evaporation not only saps moisture, it robs your lawn of essential nutrients. Mulching mowers help preserve the moisture in your soil. Even if you don’t have a mower that mulches, you should leave the clippings on the lawn to discourage evaporation.

Maintain your mower blades Over time, as blades dull they stop cutting and start tearing the grass. To recover from this abuse and repair the damage, your lawn will need 50% more water. You should sharpen or replace mower blades at least twice over the summer. Minimize the fertilizer Heavily fertilized lawns require more water. This in turn makes them more susceptible to the stresses of drought because their root system is too short to weather dry spells. If your lawn needs fertilizer, try to wait until autumn to apply it.

Using these tips will have you on your way to a healthy and green lawn this summer while saving water. Happy gardening, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and occasionally works with the folks at David Weekley Homes too when her clients request the services of a custom home builder. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind! Call Sara with your many questions and concerns regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or your specific questions regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com.