While there are number of home renovations that come to mind first, often times the front yard can be pushed to the back of the list. The front lawn can especially take a toll during the hotter summer months. A healthy lawn looks manicured with a deep, rich green color. There are a few tips you should follow to ensure your lawn stays healthy and green as every beautiful home needs. Grass needs the right combination of water, fertilizer and mowing to resist insects and pests that can destroy your lawn. Follow a regular lawn care program to promote growth while managing weeds.

Proper Watering Techniques

According to Alair homes, the right watering techniques make a big difference in the health of your lawn. An automatic sprinkler system is the best way to water your lawn. You simply program it to water according to your lawn’s needs. Most lawns need approximately one inch of water per week. If you do not have an automatic sprinkler system, simply purchase a water sprinkler that distribute water over your lawn by spinning, oscillating or pulsating.

Keep in mind that you will need to move your sprinkler often cover the entire lawn. Watering the grass is a necessary step in caring for your lawn and keeping it healthy enough to resist disease and pests. An oscillating sprinkler is the cheapest version you can buy at your local home and garden store. They cover an area of up to 30 feet and need to be moved often. Choose a higher priced sprinkler system if it is in your budget. Read the label to determine which sprinkler system gives you the most coverage.

The Right Way to Mow

Mowing is a vital process that needs to be done correctly in order to achieve a lush, beautiful lawn. If you mow your lawn too short, then you leave the grass vulnerable to fungal conditions, insects and weeds that may damage your lawn. The first step is to check the blade on your lawnmower to ensure it is nice and sharp. Go through the lawn picking up items such as sticks, rocks and other objects to prevent damaging your lawnmower.

Mow in the early morning or evening hours to ensure your grass can recover from the mowing without the midday sun blaring down. Mowing the lawn will stimulate growth and need water. Vary the direction you mow to ensure all grass blades have the ability to grow properly. Choose a line parallel to your home as a guideline. Mowing in the same direction will make the grass compact underneath the mower wheels.

Fertilize Properly

Selecting a good fertilizer will give your lawn essential elements it needs for good health. Positive effects will be lost if excess fertilizer is used or if applied at the wrong time. Fertilize in the fall for northern grass and early spring for summer climates. In addition to nitrogen, your lawn may need phosphorus and potassium. Use slow-release forms of fertilizer for the best results.

Control Weeds and Pests

Herbicides come in granular or liquid form. The granular form is ideal for covering a lot of ground. They are also easier to apply and enters grass through the root system. Choose the liquid form for spot-treating weeds. Do not water immediately after using liquid form herbicides since it may wash away and become ineffective. Cool-season grasses need weed control during the spring. Warm-season grasses germinate during the winter, so you will need to add herbicides in the fall. The winter makes weeds easier to spot. Spot control them with liquid herbicide.