What to Do and When to Do It
Lawn renovation is helpful to get an early jump on spring. However, different procedures may be required depending on the condition of your lawn. That’s why it’s always good to consult with professionals first.
Renovate or Replace Your Lawn?
Should you renovate your lawn or should you replace it entirely? That’s the first question you need to be able to answer. Here are some things to consider:
You may need to replace the entire lawn if the grass is very thin or overgrown with weeds. This would require seeding or sodding to replenish the soil.
If the lawn is only somewhat thin, try doing some late season fertilizing. This should yield a more thick lawn with adequate density by spring. It will also help your lawn to survive during the winter. Remember to do one irrigation after fertilization to help this process to be effective.
If a large percent of your lawn is grass, some renovation will be helpful. Start by getting rid of weeds. You can use an herbicide sold in stores, though the results can’t be guaranteed. At The Veron Company, we strive to maintain organic, eco-friendly landscaping. We recommend natural alternatives to harsh chemicals. For controlling pests, we recommend a number of organic pesticides, including garlic spray, mint oil, citrus and hot pepper wax.
When you use an herbicide, wait until the product is dry before walking on the grass. This will give it time to sink in and do its job. Be sure to always read the label, but generally, you should be able to seed in about seven days. Also, it helps to choose a non-selective, rather than selective, weed killer.
Spray only the patches of your lawn where you see weeds. However, if your lawn is overrun with weeds, you’ll need to spray everything.
Once the weeds are taken care of, then you can begin overseeding your lawn with your existing seed or an equally compatible seed.
Before the seeding process begins, mow your grass short enough to you can be sure the seed will reach the soil. Also, consider what type of seed you want to use. Of course, as we mentioned above, it should be compatible with the rest of your lawn. But also make sure you don’t choose cheap grass. You want a higher quality that will last and not be a hassle to maintain. You also want seed that is resistant to pests, infestations and diseases. Also look for seed that can handle periods of low irrigation, in case of drought. Then take a look at your lawn as a whole. Consider things like how much wear and tear your lawn has to withstand. Is there enough sun? Or too much shade? All of these factors should affect the type of seed you use.
Did you know that there are several steps to preparing your soil before seeding? Did you also know that you must seed at the right rate in order for the process to be effective? That’s why sometimes it’s easier—and more cost-effective—to call on professionals who will do it right the first time, so you don’t have to spend more money fixing mistakes.
The Veron Company is committed to ensuring that you have beautiful, worry-free landscaping, and we provide other home care services as well. Keep checking our blog for more maintenance tips, and contact us today to let us go to work for you!
The Veron Company, serving Marlborough, Massachusetts and surrounding areas, including Cape Cod since 1982.
