Your front lawn is your kingdom! You have put in the hard work to make it look great, now it is time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But what if your yard could be even better? What if that dull green was a little more vibrant! What would it take to turn it from mediocre to outstanding? With a few simple tips, you can turn your front yard into a veritable oasis that will be the envy of your neighbors!

Fertilize Your Lawn!

1. Fertilize regularly – A lack of nutrients is one of the primary reasons why they become unhealthy. Fertilizing your yard on a regular basis will ensure that it always has the nutrients it needs to stay green and vibrant. Be sure to fertilize your front yard at least once a year, and more frequently if it’s in a particularly sunny or dry location. Scotts brand is a well respected brand and carries fertilizer called “Natural Lawn Food”. This is a great natural organic fertilizer and has been approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute, so you know you are in good hands!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

2. Water your lawn – Most front yards need somewhere between 1-1.5 inches of water each week. This encourages deeper root growth, which makes it more drought-resistant. No plant will survive without sufficient water, and this includes the many blades of grass on your yard as well! It’s especially important to grow grass on top of hills, since this is where the most wind erosion takes place.

3. Mow high – Don’t scalp it! Mowing it too short puts unnecessary stress on the grass plants. It is better to mow your lawn high (2.5-3 inches is ideal) and less frequently than to mow it low and more often. Cutting it too short also makes it more susceptible to disease and pests. Aim to keep your grass about 3 inches tall.

4. Aerate – Front yards that are heavily used (for example, ones that see a lot of foot traffic) can become compacted over time. This makes it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the roots. Aerating it once a year helps to alleviate this problem. You can aerate your front yard by renting an aeration machine from your local hardware store, or by hiring a professional.

5. Remove thatch – A build-up of thatch (dead grass, leaves, and other organic matter) can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Thatch also provides a perfect environment for pests and diseases to take hold. To remove thatch, use a thatching rake or hire a professional.

Make sure your lawn gives a great first impression by keeping your grass a vibrant, bright green! Just imagine sitting there with a drink in your hand enjoying the sunshine on a Saturday afternoon! By following these simple tips, you can have a front yard that is the envy of your neighborhood! A little bit of extra care will go a long way in keeping your lawn looking its best!

Now that you know how to make your lawn vibrant, check out our blog on how to choose a nice shade tree for your lawn!

Call us to take care of all your lawn needs!

We service all of St. Mary’s County including:

• Mechanicsville
• Charlotte Hall
• Lexington Park
• Leonardtown
• California
• Hollywood
• Chaptico