Spring Lawn Care Tips
Spring is in the air in California and northern Nevada, and that means warmer temperatures are here to stay. The official arrival of spring also means it’s time to get outdoors and pay attention to your lawn and yard.
From designing new patios to planting early season flowers, homeowners are starting to get their green thumb on. Spring is also a good time to look down and start taking care of the grass between your toes.
You may not know this, but the Clark Man not only protects your home from unwanted pests indoors, but he also can care for – and protect – your lawn, shrubs, and trees from destructive pests, weeds, and disease.
Mike Andrew, Director of Agriculture Services for Clark Pest Control, says there are four key spring lawn care tips that homeowners can follow to establish healthy, drought-resistant turf.
- Cut your grass higher: Raise the cutting height of your mower to 2 ½-3 inches.
- Mow your lawn on a regular basis: Cutting your lawn weekly is recommended.
- Water on a consistent cycle: Preferably, you should water early in the morning. When you water midday or afternoon, it will evaporate, and evening watering can promote disease.
- Check your irrigation system: Make sure your irrigation system and sprinkler heads are in good working order.
Andrew says that raising the cutting height gives turf the opportunity to grow longer and thicker, thus allowing moisture to be retained longer. This also will prevent invasive weeds and insects from taking root and ruining your lawn.
Mowing your lawn on a consistent basis, and at the appropriate height, prevents overgrowth that can prevent moisture and sunlight from gaining access to the roots.
With watering restrictions in place year-round for many California communities, it’s important to take advantage of the days you are allowed to water to satisfy your lawn’s thirst. Andrew recommends multiple-cycle watering to promote the growth of a deep, healthy root system that is better able to survive drought and heat stress.
The cycle should include several early morning watering periods on the days that you’re permitted to water. You shouldn’t water during the middle of the day or afternoon, because water will evaporate, and evening watering can promote disease.
A spring checkup of your yard’s irrigation system is also highly recommended by Andrew. Make sure sprinkler heads are working properly, that there are no leaks, there are no broken pipes or sprinkler heads, and that timers are set accordingly. A leaky sprinkler head can waste water, and too much moisture in the turf can lead to disease.
If you have questions on how to get your lawn in shape this spring and protect it from destructive pests, weeds, and disease, call (800) 936-3339 or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com
Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.