The Grass Doctor

What are some tips for summer lawn care/revival?

I live in NJ. I recently moved into a house which has a so-so lawn. I'm really looking to make it a nice lawn. How should I do this?

Public Comments

1. If it is infested with weeds, I would use a spray that kills them, but not the grass. Should kill crab grass as well. After the ground is safe to plant again, throw some top soil in the bare places planting new seed. Use a good fertilizer with some phosphorous, and a bit of Nitrogen in it to get it off to a good start. All you need is a bit of patience waiting for the results. Water, water, water.
2. Don't cut it too short! Very important - each grass blade is a little plant, and if there's not enough green plant to gather the sunshine to feed the roots, it won't be a healthy plant. Also when it's longer, weed seeds won't grow in it's shade. I also try to mow later in the day, so hopefully the sun won't be shining on it much after it's cut. One way to destroy a good healthy lawn is to cut it off really short early in the morning on a hot dry sunny day. I saw it happen when new neighbors moved next door. Said he liked to cut it short so he didn't have to mow so often. Got his wish I guess, now all he's got is weeds, so not much grass to mow at all. Keep your mower blade sharp for a good clean cut of the grass. Deep water - water less often for longer periods of time to encourage deep root growth. Good luck! I'm sure many of your neighbors appreciate your efforts, I know I would!
3. Rake up any old thatch or trash that may be in the lawn. Then you can add a lite layer of compost and get rid of any weeds. There are products available for this very purpose. Aerate the lawn if possible. Fertilize lightly being it's the middle of summer and use a good winteriser fertilizer in September to help you lawn weather the winter and get off to a fast start next spring. You can find more info. here. http://www.howtodosite.com/gardening/lawn-care/
4. Here you go. http://www.gardenhealth.com/articles-and-tips/lawns/lawn-care-calendar/summer-lawn-care/