Lawn care guide
What kind of grass is it?
One of the first things you'll need to learn about is the grass type in your yard. Knowing grass type is important because it affects what kind of fertilizer to use, what length to mow, and what kinds of pesticides will be effective. Grass type is usually determined by the region in which you live.
If you live in a cool-season region, for example, which includes Northern California and any state north of Virginia, you may have Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, or fescue. Hot summer grasses include Bermuda grass, centipede, St. Augustine, and zoysia. Refer to a source such as Scotts Lawn to help you find out grass type. If you are still having trouble identifying your grass type, you can bring a sample into a local hardware store or talk to your neighbors.
Starting from scratch
If you are starting a lawn from seed, there are a number of questions you'll need to ask yourself before you choose a grass type. Since all regions of the country allow for more than one grass type, you do have a say in the matter. Consider the following:
- Not all grasses look the same. They vary in color, leaf width, and general appearance. What do you want your lawn to look like?
- Time and money. Some grasses need more care and maintenance than others. Do a little research on the price of different grasses and what their requirements are.
- What is your lawn’s primary purpose? Is it meant to be decorative, or used as a play area for children or pets?
- Growing conditions. Is the area in shade or sun? What is the soil type? What is the general climate like?
Getting the Right Tools
So, you've figured out what kind of grass you have or what kind of seed you'd like to plant. Now what? If you have an established lawn, there are a few tools you'll need.
- Lawn Mower. When purchasing a mower, keep in mind that there are several options: a push mower, a riding lawn mower (recommended for large yards), mowers with adjustable speeds, a body made out of aluminum or steel, and pull start or electric start. Finding the right mower is a matter of personal preference.
- Spreader. A spreader is tool that helps apply lawn fertilizer. There are two main types: rotary and drop spreaders. Rotary spreaders tend to be used on large lawns that are free of flower beds or gardens. They get the job done fast. Drop spreaders are more precise, take a little longer than rotary spreaders, and are often used on smaller lawns.
- Trimmer. A trimmer, similar to an edger, can be used to clean up the places your lawn mower missed. Trimmers are useful for cutting through patches of weeds or tall grasses. They tend to run on gasoline or electricity and cut rapidly.
- Edger. An edger cuts at a vertical angle, which makes it ideal for removing grass that is next to other foliage, such as bushes. Edgers can run on gasoline or electricity. Two popular kinds include turf and rotary edgers, which make lawn care easy.
- Sprinkler. Almost any kind of sprinkler works for watering lawns. Just make sure to purchase one that has a timer, as timers can ensure that your lawn gets enough water, but isn't wasteful.