How to create a beautiful lawn based on the type of grass you have
No matter where you live, there's always one neighbor with a beautiful lawn. It's always well-trimmed, with an emerald green sheen that the entire neighborhood envies.
Lawns like this produce many benefits. They increase a house's curb appeal, improve mental health and even help the environment.
The question is, how can you achieve that luscious green yard you've always wanted? The answer is often simple: start by choosing the best grass type for your region.
People are often shocked to learn how many types of grass exist. Each of these grass types performs best under specific conditions and climates.
In North Carolina, your region will determine what grass type is best for your yard.
This state comprises three regions: Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain.
We'll explore which grass types fare best in these regions below. We'll also give you some pro tips on lawn maintenance to ensure this grass grows perfectly. So, without further ado, let's get started!
Find the right grass type for your region
As we've mentioned, different grass types flourish more in certain regions. The Mountain region, which includes Asheville, is in the state's westernmost part. Cool-weather grasses fare best in the Mountains region.
So, what types of grasses would these include? Three of the most popular options are: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue.
Each of these grass types performs well in cool weather, reaching its heights in spring and fall. They also stay green through most of the autumn season.
Next, there's the Piedmont region. This area includes cities like Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh and Fayetteville.
The Piedmont region offers the best of both worlds for grass types. Homeowners can mix cool and warm-season grass types for a stunning, natural lawn in this region.
Finally, there's the Coastal Plain. This region includes areas like Wilmington, New Bern and Morehead City.
Coastal Plain lawn care requires warm-season grasses. Some of these include: Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, carpet grass.
Warm-season grasses take a while to green up. As their name implies, they grow best during the summer, when temperatures stay consistently warm.
Find the best color and texture for your yard
Knowing about the different grass types gives you an excellent head start in crafting a beautiful lawn. However, there are other things to consider for your lawn care needs.
For example, how much foot traffic does your yard receive? Do you have children who frequently play outside? Do their friends come over and spend the day running around your yard?
Or, does your yard stay in pristine condition? Maybe you only go out to take your dog for a walk.
These conditions matter, as they tell you how dense your grass must be. If nobody walks across your yard, you can focus exclusively on the yard's aesthetics. But, if your yard receives a lot of activity, you'll need dense grass that can withstand the traffic.
The best grass types for high-traffic areas are warm-season grasses like Bermuda. This tough grass holds up well against high footfall levels.
Also, consider aerating your soil in places where your yard receives the most activity. When people's feet pound the ground, they cause the soil to become more compact. Aerating these areas can help the dirt stay loose and receive better nutrients.
Use nature's materials for a natural lawn
Sometimes, homeowners create more work for themselves by cleaning up materials that can help their yard prosper. One of the most helpful materials is the grass clippings left behind after mowing the grass.
Instead of clearing these clippings away, you can leave them behind to benefit the grass. Experts refer to this practice as "grasscycling."
This practice restores moisture and nutrients to your soil, sometimes eliminating your need for chemical fertilizers. It also helps the broader environment by keeping these materials out of local landfills.
Another way to improve your soil quality is with raked leaves. Once your leaves begin to crumble easily, mow over them. This way, you leave several small pieces of leaves that can mulch your soil.
Water your lawn well
Watering your yard well is crucial to maintaining a healthy and vibrant yard. So, figure out the most efficient way to irrigate this space.
For example, most lawn maintenance guidelines suggest watering your yard two or three times weekly. This practice spaces out your watering enough that your grass roots have time to grow and dig deeper. It also allows more oxygen to permeate your soil.
We recommend running your sprinkler system before 10 a.m. This way, you reduce the risk of water evaporation interfering with your system.
Many beginners may ask, "How much water should we use each day?" Generally, experts recommend that you keep going until you've saturated six to eight inches of soil.
How can you tell if the water has permeated that far down? All you have to do is stick a screwdriver in the ground. If it reaches 6 inches into the soil, your irrigation is complete.
You may wonder, "What if it rains this week? How does that affect my irrigation?"
Fortunately, we can help you there. Check the WRAL Severe Weather Center forecasts regularly to see how much rain your area can expect each week. You can modify your irrigation according to how much rain you receive.
Cut your grass
A regular lawn mowing routine is essential for a lawn maintenance regiment. It causes the grass in your lawn to become thicker while reducing the number of weeds in your yard.
Look up the proper mowing height for your grass type. Then, research how to mow it to its correct height.
Cutting the grass too short causes the lawn to brown. It also increases your yard's vulnerability to pests.
Lastly, ensure that you mow the yard when your grass is dry. Otherwise, you may clog your mower. Try to vary your mowing patterns, too; this reduces the risk of creating ground ruts.
Create the lawn you want
Creating a luscious green lawn isn't too complex. However, it requires a diligent routine to ensure your grass stays healthy.
Choosing a grass type appropriate for your region helps tremendously with this process. Once you know your grass type, you can determine its proper mowing height. From there, you can read more on how to reach that height.
So, start searching for your perfect grass type. Before long, you'll have a natural yard you can be proud of.
