How Can I Improve My Existing Lawn?
The first step in improving your existing lawn is to diagnose its problem. Understanding what causes the problem can help you avoid the same problems after replanting. In case of grubs, consider low-maintenance ground covers such as fescue. Other landscaping features may also encourage grass growth, such as edging and planting bushes. Grass can become stressed from grubs and other insects, so prevent them from infesting your yard by incorporating low-maintenance groundcovers.
Adding organic matter
There are many ways to add organic matter to an already existing lawn. This will allow you to modify the soil’s structure, making it more fertile. Added organic material also contains microorganisms which work with the roots of the plants to improve soil health. This material should not be added to the soil but layered on top. The ideal ratio between soil mineral content and organic matter is 2 to 3 percent. This is the ideal ratio for a lawn. However it is impossible to prepare a deeper layer of soil if you have large trees in your yard.
Core aeration
If you’re looking to improve an existing lawn, core aeration might be the answer. Core aeration is a machine that removes small pieces of soil from your lawn and leaves healthy, new grass in its place. Core aeration is more effective than spike aeration, as it penetrates deeper into soil and loosens the soil’s surface tension. This method is not as effective on clay soil and is still less efficient than manual aeration. It does not penetrate as deep as liquid, and it also loses organic matter pockets that manual aeration cannot.
Top dressing
Make sure your lawn is clean before applying top dressing. This will allow the product to penetrate the soil, and prevent it from causing damage. Rake the lawn to remove any bare patches, and apply a thin layer of top dressing to each area. It will take several weeks for the top dressing to show results, but you will notice new growth and improved soil drainage. Top dressing can be purchased in bags at nurseries, turf farms or lawn care centers. Follow the instructions provided with the mix.
Microorganisms
The health of your plants is dependent on soil microorganisms. They eat the waste products of plants to maintain a healthy population. Healthy soil will require less fertilizing, watering, or pesticide application. Add organic material to your soil such as compost and grass clippings to encourage the growth of microorganisms. Your lawn will thank you later. How do you start?
Watering schedule
For a healthy lawn, watering your lawn in the morning is essential. Watering it late at night will result in evaporation and will damage the grass. Because water evaporates most quickly in the afternoon, lawns should be watered early in the morning. This will reduce lawn disease. You can also install metallic sprinkler systems to your lawn. These systems are often installed by professionals.