Commonly Asked Questions about Maintaining Healthy Turf
Healthy turf can make any property look good; a lush, green lawn is very inviting, and it can also protect the soil from damage due to soil erosion or the sun's harsh rays. If you have a hard time maintaining a healthy turf or are thinking of planting new turf from seed, you want to ensure you know about turf and how to care for it properly. Note a few commonly asked questions when it comes to healthy turf, as these might help to ensure that your lawn always looks its best.
1. How can you ensure new turf seed will grow and thrive?
Getting a soil sample from your property is probably one of the most important things you can do when it comes to growing turf from seed. A soil sample will tell you if your property's soil is very acidic, dry, moist, and so on. You can then determine if you need to actually mix lime or clay into the soil or should treat it with a fertilizer before adding seed. You can then also determine the best type of turf to choose for the property, as some will thrive better in more acidic conditions and some do better where the soil is more moist, and so on.
2. When should turf be fertilized?
Usually it's best to fertilize turf when it's actively growing, and this can be different for different types of turf. Some grow more quickly in the cooler seasons and some grow more quickly under the warm summer sun. If you notice that your turf seems to wilt when you fertilize, the problem might not be the type of fertilizer you add but it may be your timing. Check on the best time of year for your particular turf type and then adjust your fertilizing schedule to see if that creates a healthy lawn.
3. How short can the turf be cut?
While you may be tempted to cut turf as low as you can so you don't need to mow as often, note that those longer blades of grass can be protecting the soil and the turf roots from bright sunlight. If you cut the turf too short, this can lead to dry soil or soil erosion and damage to delicate turf roots. Each turf type might have a recommendation as to the height it should be cut, so check on your turf type and adjust your mower blades and mowing schedule accordingly.
Contact a turf supply company for further information.