How to water your lawn in Sarasota-Bradenton, FL

People always want to know: How do I water my lawn the right way?  Since every yard is different, the answer can vary.  Lawns can be distinctive and unique.  Many factors can be used to determine the best time to water your lawn, how long you should be watering for, and how much water should be utilized.  These factors include climate, the type of grass, and soil conditions.  If your lawn does not receive enough water than your grass will be more susceptible to disease and environmental stresses, more prone to insects, and less likely to survive.

Generally, it is better to water deeply and infrequently.The standard goal for most lawns is about an 1" per week, and it is best if that is delivered "all at once" instead of spread out over the week. Give the grass abundant water so that the soil is moist and  there is enough water to penetrate down to the desired root depth.  This will encourage your grass to grow and develop deep roots.  These deep roots will help your lawn resist the stresses of drought, insects, and disease.  Do not water your lawn with light frequent waterings unless you are trying to establish new grass.

The best advice on watering your lawn is simple and easy: Only water your lawn when it actually needs it!  Not only will you conserve water, but your lawn will thank you also!  Over watering can cause your lawn to develop diseases and contribute to fungus growth.  How can you tell when your lawn needs water? There are a few and easy recognizable signs that you can spot with your eyes by just looking at your lawn!  The first sign is the grasses' appearance. If the grass begins to look blue-grey or take on a blue-grey tint it's time to water. A second sign is the blade or grass leaf curling up or beginning to wilt. Another sign is the lawn's bounce back rate.  A lawn that needs water will remain flattened and not bounce back when it has been stepped or driven on.  If approximately fifty percent of your lawn begins to show these signs or symptoms it is definitely time to water!

What length or height should my grass be at in Sarasota-Bradenton, Fl?

Individuals take a lot of pride when it comes to the look and how much hard work they have put into their lawn.  Keeping your lawn healthy and yard beautiful is no easy task.  A common concern is what is the appropriate height for the grass.  People also frequently ask how short they should be cutting their grass.

While the exact height that is healthiest actually depends on the season, type of grass, and the weather; the standard for most grasses is approximately 3 inches.  To achieve the strong healthy grass every lawn desires requires balance.  Cut the grass too short and your lawn will develop yellow patches of unhealthy grass.  This can be caused by a few things.  One reason is that the grass is stressed from too much of the leaf (or blade) of grass being cut off.  Typically, in a single mow you should not remove more than 1/3 of the grass because this causes damage.  The second most common reason for yellow patches of grass is that it has dried or burned out.  Once again, chopping off too much of the blade of grass is the culprit!  By removing most of the leaf area, you affect your lawn's ability to draw in the nutrients of water and sunlight it requires. Also, cutting your lawn too short affects the structure of the grass. It alters the grasses' root systems by damaging its ability to grow and this puts undo stress on the lawn.

The last thing that will ensure a proper cut to your lawn is sharp lawnmower blades.  A nice sharp blade on your lawnmower delivers a smoother and cleaner cut.  The more smooth and clean the cut is, the healthier your lawn and grass will remain.  Most professionals recommend that lawn mower blades should be maintained and sharpened after approximately ten hours of usage and service.  This can either be done by yourself,or by a worker or professional you hire.  Good luck on your lawn and happy mowing!