Why Is The Grass Green On The Other Side?

Have you ever looked at your neighbors' lawns and wondered how they keep their grass so green? Is it because your neighbors have some kind of secret serum that they are sprinkling on their lawn late at night? Or maybe you think aliens are sneaking around and zapping your neighbor's lawn into good health. Well, however you think your neighbors are maintaining that prize winning lawn, the truth is to have a gorgeous lawn you have to understand how grass grows. Grass type, growth, proper maintenance, and weather restraints are all critical in making your grass as green as the other sides.

Even though there are multitudes of grass types grown all over the world, the type of grass that will grow best in your yard depends on the area in which you live. Essentially, grass is broken down into two categories; Cool Season and Warm Season grass. Cool Season grasses such as, Rye and tend to grow best in areas where conditions and climates are much cooler. Cool season grasses are commonly found growing in the northern areas of the U.S. and Canada, as well as moderate coastal areas, damp climates, and higher elevations. Cool season grasses are the hardest of grasses and do its best in the spring and fall months when temperatures range from 60-70 degrees F. In contrast, Warm Season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass flourish well in warmer climates. Most Warm Season grasses are grown in the southern region of the U.S. and various tropical areas. Warm Season grasses are tough and durable and require less watering. These grassed grow best when temperatures exceed 80 degrees F. Both Cool Season and Warm Seasons grasses have there drawbacks. Cool Season grasses do not grow well in the hot summer month and can turn brown and unsightly during extreme conditions, as so can Warm Season grasses in the winter time. Also, Warm season grasses are prone to weeds and because of its creeping growth habits can grow right out of your established yard boundaries which will require frequent trimming and edging if not properly maintained.

In addition to knowing the best type of grass to grow for your lawn, knowing how to grow your grass is also important. There are four basic methods to grow grass; sprigging, sodding, plugging, and seeding. Out of the four methods, Seeding is the least expensive and time consuming growing method. Especially here in the south, seeding doesn't require any long-term care. Proper seeding is crucial to the growth of your grass. You can't just toss the seeds on the ground and expect them to turn into the "lush blanket of green bliss" you have always dreamed about for your lawn. The spring and summer months are ideal for optimal growth here in the south, and fall and winter months for northern regions. Soil preparation is detrimental to the germination of the seeds. Soil should be loosened about Ð'Ð... in deep with a hard tooth rake. Then, sprinkle seed down at 10-20 seeds per square inch; remembering not to seed to heavily as you don't want your "little green darling" to compete for water. After that, add one tablespoon of starter fertilizer, and work over the entire area with the back of the rake to mix the seeds with the soil. Also, press down the dirt to ensure the seeds are secure in the soil. Finally, water your freshly seeded lawn daily to prevent seeds from drying out.

Now that you have properly seeded your lawn and your grass is beginning to grow, the care and maintenance of that new lawn will help keep your grass growing and looking its best. Care and maintenance involves several things such as, watering, fertilizing, mowing, and insect and disease protection. First of all, grass needs water, but how much water is the question? Grass should be watered two to three times a week to keep the lawn well hydrated. It is important to remember to apply more water to light soil, slopes, and areas near sidewalks. Apply water sparingly to heavy soils, low lying areas, and shaded places. Second, fertilizing your lawn will provide your grass with much needed nutrients to grow. Granular fertilizers work best for lawns that are on systematic lawn treatments. Water soluble fertilizers work best for spot treatment. Thirdly, grass should be mowed every five days under normal conditions, grass should be cut no more than a third of its height, and the mower blades should be sharp for a more even cut.

Also within care and maintenance, lawns need to be protected for bugs and disease. Lawn pests feed on the surface of your