March is a great month to renovate that tired front lawn. We all want to conserve water (and money) and the best way in the garden is by promoting a healthy lawn. If your lawn is a Fescue, Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass (these are the predominant varieties here in Santa Clarita Valley) and it’s not green, it’s time to take action.
First check the sprinkler system. The easiest way is to place styrofoam cups, around 10 or so, randomly around the yard and turn on the system. If your sprinklers work correctly, there will be the same amount of water in each cup, if not, check the adjustment screw at the top of each sprinkler head, turn left to open, right to turn down. Adjust the system for even distribution and minimize runoff.
Next check the soil, over time it gets hard and impenetrable. This condition keeps water from soaking in, creating waste thru runoff, keeps fertilizer from working properly and sets the lawn up for disaster come summer when the temperatures get hot. Stick a screwdriver into the ground, if it goes in easily you’re in good shape, if not consider renting a core aireator from a local rental center, this is important and more than anything keeps a lawn and its root system healthy and active. Be sure to rake off the core plugs, many times they make a good mulch for planter areas.
Mowing is important, and a sharp mower is critical. A dull mower tears the grass blade, and even a one-eighth inch tear will die back and yellow to the base of the tear, this over the entire lawn will cause a yellowing on even the healthiest of lawns. Recommended mowing height for SC lawns should be two inches; short mowing only creates problems in the future months of heat and wind. If you really like the look of a shorter mowed lawn, only do it in the cooler months, but be sure to raise back up as it gets cooler.
Now is the time to fertilize. A good, all-around, balanced fertilizer will not only green up the lawn, but get it ready for the hot summer months that are coming up. Consult your local nurseryman for his recommendations. Remember to follow the recommended rates, and don’t overdo; this could cause a burn from the fertilizer.
This all sounds like a lot of work, but shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours on a Saturday morning. Want a green healthy lawn? This is all you have to do. Three things all lawns in Santa Clarita need are: Water as needed, less when it’s cool, more when it’s hot, a little more when its hot and windy; mow every five to seven days, and keep the mower sharp and the height up, two inches or more; and fertilize lightly on a regular basis, remember follow the instructions for best results. When summer comes around your neighbors will be green with envy.
For more information, please visit our website at www.SuperiorSod.com , call 661-702-1196 or 800-344-7317.