If you’re a homeowner in Georgia, you probably know firsthand that a lush green lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Ultimately, it takes the correct combination of maintenance, care, and preparation. If you’re looking to have the best lawn on the block you need to focus on five key elements: choosing the correct turf type, mowing properly, watering effectively, applying pre-emergent weed control, and feeding your lawn with the right nutrients. Below is a quick breakdown of these factors and how you can improve your lawn from the lawn care experts at Nature’s Turf.
1. Start with the Right Turf Type
If you have the ability to, one of the most crucial decisions you can make for your lawn is selecting the right turf type for your environment. Metro Atlanta is in the transition zone so we have some options, but which turf suits your yard best?
For warm-season grasses, Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass are excellent choices for a lush lawn. Both have excellent tolerance for the heat we experience in the summertime, and fair well in winter dormancy. Choosing between them is often as simple as finding out how much direct sunlight your yard receives. If it’s more than 8 hours, either is fine, but if you get less than 8 and more than 5, look Zoysia’s way. We also see the occasional Fescue yard where there just isn’t enough light for Bermuda or Zoysia. While Fescue can be stressed in our hot summers, a shady yard helps counter that.
Ultimately, selecting the right grass type makes future maintenance much easier. A happy, well-established lawn will naturally resist disease, require less water, and outcompete weeds. For more information to help find out which is right for you, check out this blog as well.
2. Mow Properly
Mowing is more than just cutting your grass (although it is a key component in keeping your lawn looking “good”)—it’s about keeping your lawn healthy and strong. Proper mowing habits can promote thicker growth, reduce weed infestations, and improve overall turf health. Here are some key mowing tips:
- Mow Frequently–frequent mowing reduces overall injury, allowing for shorter recovery time.
- Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can lead to disease and brown tips.
- Follow the one-third rule—never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress.
By following these mowing practices, you can encourage a dense, resilient lawn that thrives throughout Georgia’s warm and dormant seasons.
3. Water Deeply and Infrequently
Many homeowners either overwater or underwater their lawns, both of which can cause problems. The key to a strong, drought-resistant lawn is deep, infrequent watering. The classic rule of thumb is an inch per week applied on 2-3 days that aren’t connected. A Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, for example. This can come from irrigation or rainfall, and is a great starting point that can be adjusted for the season or conditions.
4. Use Pre-Emergent Weed Control
If you know about Nature’s Turf then you know how much we stress the need for pre-emergent weed control. It is the cornerstone of weed control, stopping the majority of weeds before they can become an issue in the lawn.
Essentially, pre-emergents create a barrier in the soil that inhibits the growth of weeds before they even break through the surface. This can save you valuable time and effort, while also reducing the number of products and applications required to achieve our weed control goals making for an easier and more responsible weed control strategy. For more information on pre-emergents, click here!
5. Feed Your Lawn with the Right Nutrients
Your lawn needs the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy and green. While every yard is unique, the nutiritional requirements for your lawn is very consistent. By providing adequate nutrition, your lawn can use these nutritional tools to thrive (when grown in the right conditions, and cared for well, of course).
Knowing when to fertilize is just as important as knowing what to use and how much. This is different for different species, as well as cool-season and warm-season turfs. Of the many benefits of teaming up with Nature’s Turf, allowing the pros to answer questions you may not have considered is at the top.
Nature’s Turf – Your Key to Expert Lawn Care
Managing a beautiful yard in Georgia can seem daunting, especially when it comes to specific strategies and custom treatment plans. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. At Nature’s Turf, we specialize in comprehensive lawn treatment plants tailored to your unique yard in Georgia.
In order to maintain a beautiful lawn, our Certified Professionals have created custom treatment plans that will exceed your expectations. Contact the team at Nature’s Turf today!
