Illinois Homeowners: Get Your Yard And Lawn Ready For Summer

Another Illinois spring is here and you should be thinking about getting your yard in shape so it looks great this summer. Start by taking a good look at your lawn. Is it looking a little sparse and beaten down? If so, follow these simple tips to get your lawn looking healthy and green.

1. Soil Test

A lush and thriving lawn requires healthy soil. A soil analysis using a test kit can help you determine the pH balance of the dirt and if it’s missing any crucial nutrients. Good solutions for depleted soil include:

• Compost. Rake a layer of homemade or purchased compost over the lawn and spread in an even layer.
• Cottonseed meal fertilizer. Apply it to your lawn during the spring.
• Earthworms. These are available at your local garden center. On a dry day, place the worms on top of the soil so they can dig down.

2. Aerate

Consider renting an aerator or hiring a professional to promote lawn growth. Aerating your lawn will loosen up the compacted soil so that air, nutrients, and water can easily reach the grass roots. The aerator tines will push down into the soil about two inches deep, removing small plugs of lawn. Leave these plugs on the lawn to break down and compost back into the soil.

Need help with lawn care? Hire a professional landscape contractor in Illinois.

3. Reseed Bare and Thinning Lawn Areas

After the long months of winter, your lawn can be left with bare and thin spots. With a bit of prep work, reseeding can kick start new grass growth so your lawn looks lush and thick again. Here’s how:

• Rake up debris and dead grass. Loosen the soil to a depth of about one inch.
• Repair low spots by adding a layer of topsoil for the grass to take root.
• Spread the grass seed evenly over the lawn, being careful not to apply it too thickly. Be sure to use the right type of seed for each area of your yard depending on the amount of shade or sun exposure.
• Fertilize to give grass seed the nutrients it needs to grow and to kill weeds such as dandelion and sow thistle. The best options are natural and slow-release fertilizers.
• Add a layer of topsoil. This new soil will improve the quality of the dirt and give grass seed a boost of minerals and nutrients. A layer of soil will also protect the delicate seedlings from birds.
• Gently water grass seeds to help them germinate. You’ll need to water daily for 10 to 14 days to prevent the soil from drying out. Be cautious not to over water. Once the grass is established and growing, you can water less often.

4. Get Rid of Pests

Pests such as beetles, grubs, and mole crickets can quickly damage your lawn and destroy all your hard work. Hire a pest control expert to eliminate and prevent these pests from doing serious harm to your lawn.

No time to do it yourself? Leave lawn care to an experienced professional and contact a HomeAdvisor landscaping expert in Illinois.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.