Bruno Pugh
Golf courses are known for their stunning lawns, so it’s no surprise you’d want your yard to look just as beautiful. The good news? You don’t need to be a pro to achieve that lush, pristine look. With the tips in this list, you’re just steps away from having the lawn of your dreams!
Choose the Right Mower
The result won’t be the best if the mower is not right. Many golf courses and sports venues use reel mowers. These mowers move like scissors, which puts less stress on the grass. Other mowers can also work, but it helps to consider features like the ability to mulch or self-propulsion, which makes the work easier.
Keep Blades Sharp
When blades are sharper, cuts are cleaner and even, and the stress on the grass is minimized. As they get duller, they can no longer slice through; instead, they beat the grass into breaking. Time your mowing sessions; don’t allow your mower work time to hit 25 hours before you sharpen it.
Mow at the Right Height
Different grasses have different height requirements, which may change depending on the season. Some research will be needed to enjoy a healthy and good-looking lawn. Before mowing, consider your grass height requirement based on the season, then confirm your mower is set to fit it.
Mow When the Grass is Dry
The best time to mow your grass is when it’s dry. Otherwise, the grass may form clumps that, when dropped back on the lawn and not raked properly, will suffocate the grass underneath. Dry grass will also be more erect because water isn’t weighing it down, and that will give you more even cuts.
Mow in Different Directions
Grass blades start to grow in the direction you mow, and you don’t want that for your lawn. To prevent them from going in any direction, keep changing directions. If you mow toward the north once, mow toward the south next time. This will make them grow skywards.
Use a Grass Catcher
Mulching is good for your lawn, but if the clippings are too long, they can cause problems, like making it look untidy or reducing the amount of sunlight and water the lawn enjoys. You can use a grass catcher when you mow to handle this mess.
Practice the 1/3 Rule
The 1/3 rule helps reduce lawn stress and promotes healthier growth. It advises cutting no more than a third of the grass blades at once, as cutting too much can hinder the grass’s ability to grow. To stick to this rule, avoid letting your lawn become overgrown.
Edge Your Lawn
A lawn’s beauty is reduced when it isn’t well-edged. Start by defining your lawn borders neatly and maintaining the borders so the grass doesn’t spread further. You should also consider decorations for the edges. If your lawn touches your fences or flowers, consider maintaining edges so mowing isn’t stressful.
Regularly Aerate Your Lawn
Compaction occurs due to activity on your lawn and limits how much air, water, and nutrients reach your grassroots. Thanks to aeration, the effects of compaction are reduced. Aeration once yearly is great, even though your lawn may be able to stay up to three years without needing it if it is well cared for.
Fertilize Appropriately
Your lawn needs food, too, so remember to fertilize when necessary. Fertilization is not a one-size-fits-all solution, though. Different grasses need different nutrients, and your fertilization should be targeted at meeting their needs. Your soil type also determines how often you should fertilize and the type of fertilizer to use.
Water Deeply and Less Frequently
When you water your lawn, use a lot of water. It needs a huge water supply at once, as opposed to frequent watering with smaller quantities. This watering helps the grass grow deeper roots, which in turn helps it enjoy more organic matter. You can let rain do the watering or support it with irrigation.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Don’t wait until you see trouble before you act. Be the one who inspects your lawn so you can catch any signs of health problems or pests early enough. The earlier you catch the problems, the quicker you can restore your lawn back to its best condition.
Use Grass Clippings as Mulch
Some grass clippings—those fine, short, dry, healthy ones—can be used for mulching. They decompose and add nutrients back to the soil. Scatter the clippings if you see a large quantity concentrated in one place so they don’t affect the growth of that part of your lawn.
Implement a Changing Schedule
To make your lawn presentable and healthy, you need to be consistent with it, and a schedule can help. Schedules for mowing lawns should change to fit the seasons. In seasons when they grow faster, your schedule will require you to mow more frequently than when their growth is slowed.
Invest in Quality Tools
Besides your mower, there are other tools you’ll need to create a beautiful lawn, like leaf blowers, pH testers, gloves, safety glasses, etc. With these tools, your work is made easier and safer, and when you enjoy working on your lawn, you can remain dedicated enough to get that golf-standard lawn.