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Mastering Lawn Care: Essential Tips for Alabama Homeowners
With summer heating up, keeping your lawn healthy is paramount for Alabama homeowners. Famed for its warm-season grasses like zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede, Alabama presents specific challenges and opportunities in lawn care. According to Dave Han, an associate professor in Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, a well-maintained lawn can be achieved through a combination of effective watering, fertilizing, and mowing techniques.
The Watering Wisdom: Measure Twice, Water Wisely
For optimal growth, Han suggests homeowners water their lawns early in the morning, ideally before the sun rises. This timing helps minimize evaporation and ensures that the grass can absorb moisture effectively. He recommends that homeowners measure their irrigation system’s output to tailor watering for their grass type and soil drainage, offering a practical approach to water conservation.
Drought Tolerance: A Must-Know for Alabama’s Homeowners
Interestingly, Southern grasses exhibit remarkable drought resistance. Many can survive without water for up to 90 days by going dormant, provided they were healthy beforehand. Han encourages homeowners to embrace the browning of grass during extreme dry spells: "If you don’t mind a brown lawn, it is OK to let them go dormant.” This resilient approach not only conserves water but also supports the longevity of your grass during Alabama’s dry summers.
Fertilizing Fundamentals for a Flourishing Lawn
Now is the perfect time to focus on fertilization. Han outlines a clear fertilization schedule tailored to specific grass types:
- Bermuda: Fertilize monthly with one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
- St. Augustine: Feed every six weeks for best results.
- Zoysia: A couple of applications per year suffice.
- Centipede: Annual fertilization is sufficient.
Mowing Practices to Maximize Lawn Health
Proper mowing can drastically affect your lawn health. Han advises setting mower heights according to grass types, recommending 1½ to 2 inches for most types but a height of 3-4 inches for St. Augustine. Regular mowing—ideally once per week—for faster-growing varieties can keep lawns tidy and promote robust growth.
Get Expert Help for Your Lawn Care Needs
This summer, it’s clear that homeowners want clean, vibrant yards without excessive upkeep. Utilizing professionals like Everett Lucas for seasonal cleanup, landscaping, and regular maintenance helps alleviate the burden while ensuring your lawn stays in top condition. With trusted lawn service in Shelby, MI, customized plans can help tackle everything from pest control to aeration and overseeding. As Han says, "Knowing the specifics about your lawn leads to healthier growth and a beautiful yard.”
For your lawn care needs all year round—Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter—turn to Everett Lucas at Northern-LawnCare.com or call 231-450-3414 today!
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