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clippings.
Organic matter helps to lighten a predominantly clay soil and
it helps sandy soil retain water and nutrients.
Also check to see if your soil is packed down from lots of
use or heavy clay content. This makes it harder for air and
water to penetrate, and for grass roots to grow. To loosen
compacted soil, some lawns may need to be aerated several times
a year. This process involves pulling out plugs of soil to
create air spaces, so water and nutrients can again penetrate
to the grass roots.
Most lawns need to be fertilized every year, because they
need more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than soils
usually contain. These three elements are the primary
ingredients found in most lawn fertilizers. It's important not
to over-fertilize--you could do more harm to your lawn than
good--and it's best to use a slow-release fertilizer that feeds
the lawn slowly. It's also important to check the soil's pH.
Grass is best able to absorb nutrients in a slightly acidic
soil, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Soil that is too acidic can be
"sweetened" with lime; soil that's not acid enough can be made
more sour by adding sulfur.
Have your soil tested periodically to see whether it needs
more organic matter or the pH needs adjusting. Your county
extension agent (listed in your phone book under county
government) or local nursery should be able to tell you how to
do this. These experts can also help you choose the right
fertilizer, compost, and other "soil amendments," and they can
advise you about aerating if your soil is compacted. If a
professional service takes care of your lawn, make sure it
takes these same steps to develop good soil. There's no getting
around it: your lawn's health is only as good as the soil it
grows in.
2. Choose A Grass Type That Thrives In Your Climate
The right type of grass--one that suits your needs and
likes the local weather--will always give better results.
Grasses vary in the type of climate they prefer, the amount of
water and nutrients they need, their resistance to pests, their
tolerance for shade, and the degree of wear they can withstand.
If you are putting in a new lawn, it will be worth your
while to do some research to identify the best grass type for
your needs.
If you're working with an established lawn that fails to
thrive despite proper care, you might consider replanting with
a different type of grass.
Why struggle to grow grass that's susceptible to fungal
disease if you live in a humid climate? Or a water-loving
species if you live in an area with water shortages? Grass that
is well-adapted to your area will grow better and resist local
pests and diseases better.
New grass varieties and mixtures come out on the market
every year.
Ask your county extension agent or another one of the
sources listed in this brochure for recommendations.
3. Mow High, Often and With Sharp Blades
Mowing high--that is, keeping your lawn a bit long--will
produce stronger, healthier grass with fewer pest problems.
Longer grass has more leaf surface to take in sunlight.
This enables it to grow thicker and develop a deeper root
system, which in turn helps the grass survive drought, tolerate
insect damage, and fend off diseases. Longer grass also shades
the soil surface keeping it cooler, helping it retain moisture,
and making it difficult for weeds to germinate and grow
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