Backyard barbecues, summer birthday celebrations, pool parties, long days of running through sprinklers— summer is a lot of fun, but it can take a toll on your yard. Find out how to assess your turf after the sun-soaked days of summer, and how to repair some of the common issues that you may find.
Hunt for Crabgrass
Do you see crabgrass moving in? Kick those ugly weeds out by applying a standard herbicide or by using corn gluten meal, a natural alternative. Keep the grass mown, but not too short, since crabgrass tends to move in where the existing grass is close-cut. If you set your mower deck to about 3.5 inches, the height should be just about right.
Reseed the Threadbare Areas
Are there patches of grass worn thin by the passage of sneaker soles? Now is the time to grab bags of grass seed and apply the seed to those areas. Remember that fescue, bluegrass, and rye thrive in cooler weather, while Zoysia, Centipede, and St. Augustine grasses prefer warmer temperatures.
Consider a Soil Test
If you have noticed that your grass stays thin and patchy even when you reseed, consider having a soil test done to determine if the earth is too acidic or too alkaline. You may need to adjust the pH balance of your yard's soil with some special treatments.
Start Over with New Sod
If there's a large section of your lawn that is covered in weeds and severely damaged, you may want to start over. Bring in a landscaping team to peel up that old sod and lay down fresh turf.
Feed the Lawn
Remember to apply a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer to your entire lawn sometime around Labor Day or shortly afterward. It's a good idea to do your soil test first so you know the type of fertilizer and pH balance that your lawn needs.
Control Soil Erosion
Have you noticed that certain areas of your lawn are subject to erosion? Maybe those summer thunder showers have made the problem worse. Call in an expert from Kurtz Bros. to take a look at the problem area and recommend some solutions.
Late summer is a great time to treat your yard to some extra fertilizer and re-seeding. To get the supplies you need, contact Kurtz Bros., Inc. We'll help you with law care, erosion control, decorative elements, new grass seed, stormwater management, and anything else you need to give your lawn the extra care it deserves after your summer of fun.