4 Steps to Healthy Carolina Lawn Care

Achieving a lush and green lawn in North Carolina requires some careful planning and consistent maintenance. Homeowners in the Carolinas looking to boost their curb appeal can do so with the right lawn care regimen! First off, knowing your turf type is crucial to success. Common types of grass for Carolina lawns are Bermuda, Zoysia, and Fescue. Once you’ve identified your grass type, you’ll be on the way to a successful growing season and a healthy green lawn. Here are a few things to keep in mind to achieve the lush, green lawn we all strive for! 

Soil Testing & Core Aeration

Test your soil: Begin by testing the soil pH and nutrient levels to understand its composition and what nutrients may be lacking. You can purchase a soil testing kit or send a sample to your local agricultural extension office in North Carolina for analysis. Based on the soil test results, you may need to apply additional nutrients to reach healthy pH levels. Local lawn care providers offering fertilization services can help with applying the appropriate nutrients to get the soil back in shape. Additionally, you may need to add lime or sulfur to adjust the pH level if necessary.

Aerate Your Lawn: Spring aeration is extremely beneficial for warm-season grass types such as Bermuda and Zoysia. Core aeration breaks up compaction in the soil and allows for important nutrients to better reach the root systems. Having your lawn aerated each spring ensures you will get more out of your regular lawn care applications and maintenance. Water, air, fertilizer, and sunlight are more efficient and effective for the turf and root systems. You can rent an aerator machine or contact a local professional for lawn aeration near you. 

Watering Your Lawn Properly 

During the growing season, water deeply and infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. Watering deeply encourages the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the lawn more drought-tolerant and building stronger root systems. Avoid frequent shallow watering, as it can lead to shallow root growth and weak turf. Now is a great time to make sure all of your irrigation is working properly to make sure you don’t run into any issues during summertime!

Lawn Maintenance and Mowing Tips 

Mowing: Set your mower blade at the recommended height for your grass type and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This is known as the “One-Third Rule” and it prevents causing mower stress in your lawn. Removing too much of the grass blade in one mow causes stress to the grass and results in strips of brown patches in your lawn. Regular, healthy mowing encourages better turf density and growth, which acts as an added natural defense to weed breakthrough!

Lawn Mower Maintenance: Make sure to keep your mower blades sharp! Dull blades can result in tears to the grass blade which will cause stress and discoloration in your grass. Regular maintenance on your mower and mower blades will also make your mower last longer. 

Fertilization & Weed Control for Carolina Lawns 

Lawn Fertilization: Starting in spring, apply a balanced lawn fertilizer according to the recommended schedule for your grass type. Make sure to water your lawn after fertilizing to allow the nutrients to make their way into the soil. Leaving fertilizer on the lawn during excessive heat can cause stress or damage to your lawn. If you choose to handle lawn fertilization yourself, remember to always follow label instructions for proper rates and safety when using lawn care products. 

Weed Control: Weeds are a headache that can’t be avoided, unfortunately. To best control weeds, you should apply pre-emergent applications to prevent weed germination before each season begins. During the active growing season, targeted weed control can be used to address weed breakthrough as well as unpreventable weed types. The most important thing to remember if applying weed control yourself, is to use a selective herbicide. Using a non-selective weed control will harm your grass in the process!

Local Professional Lawn Care in Charlotte, NC

Remember that maintaining a healthy lawn requires ongoing care and attention. Homeowners near Charlotte, Waxhaw, Indian Land, Rock Hill, and surrounding areas can trust Turf Brothers Lawn Care to help achieve a beautiful, healthy lawn. We provide weed control and fertilization programs that are designed to keep your lawn healthy in every season, while preventing weeds before they sprout. We also offer core aeration services and mosquito control. If you want to ditch the DIY lawn care and enjoy your lawn this summer, contact us today for a free quote!