Sensible tips for establishing and maintaining a great lawn!

 

Get a Soil Test
  Test sampling kits can be obtained from your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  Soil samples are sent to VA Tech labs for analysis.  Test results show how much lime and what type of fertilizer your lawn needs.  Cost is very minimal for the test.

Prepare the Soil
  Follow the test results for lime and fertilizer. Bring in additional soil if needed.  A total of four to six inches of topsoil is ideal.  If starting a new lawn be sure use a starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers are high in phosphorus.  Phosphorus is the most important nutrient to emerging grass.   Once the grass has developed roots, nitrogen becomes more important.   Existing lawns that are to be overseeded should be aerated thoroughly prior to seeding.  Aeration provides holes for seed to be worked into, improves drainage, and loosens the soil for easier root penetration.   Aeration is recommended for all lawns once a year.  The preferred type of aerator is a plug aerator (actually pulls small plug from the lawn 2 to 3 inches deep) and the best time to aerate is early fall.

Seeding
 Whether overseeding or starting a new lawn, seed during early spring or fall.  Cooler temperatures and plentiful rain are sure to improve the odds for success.   Caroline County is included in the Cool-Humid region of the United States.  Cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and Tall Fescue are recommended for this region.  Seed with a drop seeder or equivalent to achieve uniform coverage.  If renovating an existing lawn, the best results can be achieved by renting a slit-seeder.   Slit-seeders drop seed as it slices through the soil. A rear roller helps to firm the soil over the seed.  Then cover with fine straw (straw is not necessary with a slit-seeder on existing lawns).  Straw provides warmth, holds moisture, and protects against wind and rain erosion.   Keep the soil moist at all times until the grass is about 1 inch tall then water once a week (about an inch of water per week will do).

Let grass grow
 Tall fescues should never be cut less than 3 1/2 inches tall whereas  Kentucky bluegrass can be cut as low as 2 inches.  For example, cut tall fescues when they reach 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall.  Never cut more than a third of the grass blade at a time. You want grass to use its energy developing it’s root system, not regrowing blades of grass.  Typically, the taller you keep your grass the stronger and more resilient it will be during the hard summer months.  Taller grass helps to prevent weed germination and insulates the soil during high heat and drought.   A good healthy stand of grass is natures best prevention for erosion,  produces more oxygen than trees, filters pollutants from the air and rainwater, adds value to the property, and provides a great recreational setting for the whole family.

Fertilizer and Irrigation
  While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption.  Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.  Fertilize less during rainy spring and summer months and more during drier winter months to help prevent nitrogen runoff and pollution of the Chesapeake Bay.  Lawns need watering when walking leaves footprints. Most lawns only need 1 inch of water per week.  Watering an inch all at one time ensures that roots grow deep.  Program irrigation systems to water early morning and link them to a weather program if possible to prevent wasteful overwatering if it rains. 

Landscaping for Energy Savings
  Leafy trees like oaks and maples provide cooling shade during summer months then shed their leaves in the fall allowing warm sun rays to help heat your house.  Properly placed evergreens and shrubs around the foundation can serve to block cold winds during the fall and winter months.  Savings on heating and cooling cost could be as much as 20%.

Landscaping for Water Quality
  Planted mulch beds serve several functions.  Mulch helps conserve water by protecting underlying soils from the sun.  Mulch is a natural filter for sediment and nutrient laden storm water.  Mulch helps to prevent erosion  and soil compaction by armoring the soil from raindrops.  Drought tolerant shrubs and plantings help with nutrient uptake and soil stabilization.   Also, Rain Gardens are a great way to deal with areas that remain wet or saturated for extended periods of time.  The Virginia Department of Forestry has produced very useful technical guides explaining rain gardens and their design and use.  Information on native species of plants, trees, and shrubs can be found 5 6 here 

Ask for Help
  If you need more advice please contact either Caroline County Department of Planning, 5 10 Environmental Services OR the local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.