With spring on its way, it’s time for homeowners to start devoting some thought to making lawn care plans for creating healthy, verdant lawns. This can be a complex task in Texas, where the local soil and weather patterns can make lawn seeding and maintenance a bit of a hassle. Homeowners can simplify the process by following some early spring lawn care tips found below.
Tip #1 – Choose the Right Grass
There are some grasses that just won’t grow well in Texas no matter what fertilization routine homeowners follow, so the first step toward simplifying the fertilization process is to choose a variety of grass that is well-suited for Texas’s unique climate. The most common warm-season grasses in the area are St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zosia grass. Those who are looking to improve their current lawns but aren’t sure what kind of grass they already have can simply take a few clippings and take them to a garden center for expert identification.
Tip #2 – Choose the Right Fertilizer
Lawns that are looking less than beautiful and lush are often suffering from a lack of nitrogen. This essential nutrient is the first ingredient in just about any bag of fertilizer, with phosphorous and potassium following behind it. It’s important to realize that the composition of each brand of fertilizer is a little bit different and to look for one that is low in phosphorous and potassium, as too much of these nutrients can spell trouble for Texan lawns.
Tip #3 – Know When to Apply
Most of the time it’s necessary to fertilize lawns twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. Weather patterns in Texas can be erratic, though, so the specific timing of the spring application will have to be judged carefully based on the state of the lawn and the area’s weather. Spring fertilizer must be applied after the grass is already actively growing, with most experts recommending that property owners wait until their lawns are at least 50% green; fall fertilization should take place in early to mid-September.
Tip #4 – The Importance of Soil Testing
The best way to choose a fertilizer with adequate nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium concentrations is to perform a soil test. This generally involves taking a sample of the soil and sending it to a lab for results. Failing to do so can lead homeowners to apply too much potassium and phosphorous, which can lead to serious trouble. While some organic growers choose to include compost either in addition to traditional fertilizer or in its place, compost can only be applied early in the season, which makes it impractical to use compost exclusively.
Tip #5 – Take the Easier Alternative
If all this lawn care stuff sounds like it requires a lot of work, time, and dedicated research, that’s because it does. Homeowners who just don’t have the time to devote to learning all these new insights should keep in mind that there’s no shame in hiring a lawn care professional. Archer Services of Houston can remove the hassle of providing meticulous lawn care, allowing customers who don’t have the know-how or the time, to provide their lawns with adequate upkeep to maintaining a beautiful lawn with zero effort. Convenience is just a call away! Connect with Archer Services in Houston at tel:281-203-7615.
