Lawncare Best Practices: 3 Tips for Better Yard Health

As the country moves into the spring and summer months and our lawns begin to retake center stage, you’ll likely discover your yard could use a little TLC. Here are simple steps you can take to set your lawn up for a successful season.

Mowing Principles

Proper mowing can lay the foundation for overall lawn health. A good rule of thumb is to mow grass so it’s at an even level — not necessarily with the sole purpose of keeping it short. We recommend following the one-third rule: cut no more than one-third of the blade of grass at any given time. When the lawn is actively growing, you might mow every three to five days. When grass goes dormant, reduce mowing frequency accordingly.

Cool season grasses grow best in the spring and fall, while potentially going dormant during summer and winter months. Grasses go dormant depending climate conditions, soil conditions and turf type. When soil temperatures reach between 55-65 degrees, turf root systems begin absorbing nutrients from the soil (which means they are actively growing) typically above ground temperatures are 60-75 degrees. Once soil temperatures reach 50 degrees or lower, the turf will begin to go dormant.

Warm season grasses are slightly different but still have growing and dormant periods. They begin to activate when soil temperatures reach above 70 degrees for typical growth in the spring. Grasses then go dormant during cool periods in warmer regions.
 

Grass Height

Proper mowing height increases grass density and promotes deep root growth, both of which lead to stronger, more weed-resistant turf. The optimal height of your grass differs depending on where you live. For example, grass in cool-season Ohio needs different care than grass in warm-season South Carolina. First, identify the type of grass you have. Then follow our guide to determine the optimal height for the health of each specific variety.

Lawn Fertilization

Fertilizing lawns is an essential part of yard maintenance. Knowing how, when and what type of fertilizer to use can mean the difference between having a yard that thrives and one that struggles.
 
How to fertilize: The best way to add nutrients to a lawn is to simply leave grass clippings in place after mowing. They are full of nitrogen that support lawn health. However, you don’t want more than an inch or two left on your lawn, as it can suffocate the grass. Take any extra clippings you have and sprinkle them in your garden to enrich the soil.  
 
When to fertilize: The best time to fertilize lawns depends on the type of grass.

• Warm-season lawns (such as zoysia and St. Augustine) should be fertilized while grass is growing. Fertilizing too early in the spring will encourage weeds.
• Cool-season lawns (such as bluegrass, rye and fescue) should be fertilized in the fall. This builds healthy roots throughout their main growing season. Supplement with a full fertilization maintenance plan throughout the year to maintain a healthy lawn.

 
Be sure to select a high-quality fertilizer and always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
 
Follow the tips above or reach out to your Cub Cadet® dealer for more expert advice to help you achieve your seasonal lawn goals.