Lawn Maintenance Guide
Tips I Learned From Growing Grass
Growing grass takes know-how and care. Grass needs specific attention when it’s new versus when it’s mature.
A good soil test helps me understand what nutrients my lawn needs.
Water Tips for New Grass
New grass needs lots of water to get started. I water until the ground feels squishy, then adjust based on the season.
In winter, I give 1 inch every 7-10 days. Summer needs more – about 1/2 inch every other day for the first 2 weeks.
I use a rain gauge to measure.
Water Tips for Mature Grass
Established lawns need less water. I give mine:
- Winter: 1 inch every 2-3 weeks
- Spring/Summer: 1 inch weekly, split into two sessions
- Fall: Cut back to prevent brown patch disease
Mowing New Grass
I wait 2-3 weeks before the first mow. New grass needs time to root. When I start:
- Set mower height to 3.5 inches
- Only trim the very tips
- Avoid mowing wet grass to prevent ruts
- Let dormant winter grass green up before mowing
Mowing Mature Grass
My mowing schedule changes with seasons:
- Winter/Spring: 3 inches high
- Summer: 3-3.5 inches to fight drought
- Fall: Back to 3 inches
- Never cut more than 1/3 of grass height
Feeding New Lawns
I’m careful with new grass feeding:
- No fertilizer for first 3-4 weeks
- Start with half-strength 15-5-10 mix
- Skip winter feeding
- Light feeding in spring/fall
Feeding Mature Lawns
My feeding schedule:
- Spring: 15-5-10 mix
- Summer: High-nitrogen food
- Fall: Low-nitrogen, high-potassium mix
- Winter: No feeding needed
Bug Control
I watch for:
- Chinch bugs in summer (looks like drought damage)
- Sod webworms
- Water before and after treatment
- Only treat if damage spreads
Weed Control
Some key points:
- Wait one year before using weed killers
- Match products to grass type
- Mow winter weeds instead of using chemicals
- Be careful near flowers and plants
Disease Prevention
I prevent lawn diseases by:
- Avoiding excess water in cool weather
- Watching for brown patches
I also prevent lawn diseases by:
- Using fungicides only when needed
- Maintaining good air flow