Your lawn is an important part of your home, and you want it to look perfect all the time. As spring and summer heat up and you're heading outside for more barbecues and parties, you want to make sure your lawn is looking its best. But achieving a perfect lawn can be tricky - especially if you don't know where to start. That's why we've compiled a list of our top 7 secrets to the perfect lawn. Keep reading to learn more!
 

1. Do your spring cleanup

The Lawnsmith is here to tell you that now is the time to do your spring cleanup. The first step is to rake up all the leaves and debris that have accumulated over the winter. This will give your grass a chance to start growing evenly. Next, trim any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. This will help encourage new growth. Finally, prune any perennials that have died back. This will help them grow stronger and healthier in the coming season.
 

2. Water your lawn deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth

Every lawn is different, and there's no single approach that will work for everyone. However, one general rule of thumb is to water your lawn deeply but infrequently. This encourages the roots to grow deep into the soil in search of moisture, resulting in a healthy lawn that is better able to withstand drought conditions. It's also important to make sure that you're watering in the early morning hours, as this allows the lawn to dry out before nightfall. This reduces the risk of disease and helps to prevent fungal growth.

How do you know how much water to give your lawn? We recommend using a soil moisture meter to check the moisture level in your lawn. This will help you to avoid both underwatering or overwatering, which can lead to problems.
 

3. Mow your lawn at the right height - taller is better for grass health and weed control

Maintaining your lawn at the right height is important. Many people think that they should mow their lawn as short as possible, but this can actually damage the grass and make it more susceptible to weeds. Instead, aim for a height of about 2.5 to 3 inches. This will help the grass to retain moisture and prevent weeds from taking root. If Minneapolis experiences a lack of rain this summer, you may need to raise your mowing height even higher to prevent the grass from going dormant or becoming scorched.
 

4. Fertilize your lawn with a combination of slow-release fertilizer, but combine with a weed control plan

If you want a healthy, green lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood, you should fertilize your lawn with a slow-release fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers are ideal for busy homeowners because they provide a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period of time, rather than all at once. This means your grass will have a constant supply of the nutrients it needs to thrive, without any risk of burning.

When should you fertilize your lawn? We recommend a combination of application of slow-release fertilizer, but also having specific attention to controlling weeds. At The Lawnsmith, our Ultimate Fertilizer program includes six visits. Four of these visits are focused on the application of the slow-release fertilizer, and the other two are specifically designed for weed control.

We also offer a standard fertilizer program which includes four visits, both of which involve the application of fertilizer and weed control.

This is the minimum recommendation. Your lawn may need additional fertilizer depending on the type of grass you have, your soil conditions, and the amount of foot traffic your lawn receives.
 

5. Use organic methods to control weeds and pests

Weeds and pests can quickly take over your lawn if you're not careful. But you don't need to use harsh chemicals to keep them under control. Instead, opt for organic methods whenever possible. This includes things like mulching, using landscape fabric, and hand-pulling weeds. For pests, try using traps or barriers. You can also attract helpful predators, like ladybugs and dragonflies, which will help to keep the population of destructive pests in check.

By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to having not just the perfect lawn, but one that is more kid and pet-safe, too!
 

6. Aerate your lawn every fall to improve drainage and allow air and water to reach the roots

One of the most important things you can do for your Minneapolis area lawn is to aerate every fall. This simple task provides numerous benefits that will improve the health of your grass and help it to withstand the rigors of winter. Aeration allows air and water to reach the roots, which helps to encourage new growth. In addition, it helps to improve drainage and prevent compaction, both of which can damage the grass. If you have a dense lawn, aerating can also help to reduce thatch buildup.
 

7. Remove any weeds or debris as soon as you see them so they don't take over

Any experienced Minneapolis lawncare worker will tell you that one of the most important steps in keeping your lawn looking its best is to remove weeds and debris as soon as you see them. Allowing these unwanted guests to take over will not only make your lawn look messy, but it will also make it more difficult to maintain a healthy lawn. By taking a few minutes each week to pull weeds and pick up leaves, you can ensure that your lawn stays looking neat and tidy all season long.
 

BONUS TIP: Hire The Lawnsmith!

Does this seem like a lot of work? Don't have the time? That's okay! The Lawnsmith is here to help. We provide all of the above services and are a team of experienced Minneapolis lawn care professionals who can take care of all your lawn care needs. From mowing and fertilizing to aeration and weed control, we have been caring for lawns for over 30 years. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation. We'll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you create a lawn care plan that is perfect for your home and your budget. We offer free estimates, so get in touch today!

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