For many homeowners, summer is all about the smell of wet grass. It’s about looking out onto their own personal expense of vibrant green, and feeling the lushness underfoot when they’re out in the yard. If you have a lawn, you know exactly what we mean. There’s a pride of ownership that comes with healthy grass, which is why it’s worth putting in a bit of time to ensure that yours looks and feels its best.

Here are a few tips for ensuring that your lawn thrives all summer long…

Cut your grass

Mowing your lawn does more than make it look good. It also helps keep pests and weeds at bay—and ensure that nutrients reach the roots. Your cuttings are chock full of nitrogen and other helpful elements, which can be easily broken down and returned to the soil if you use a mulching mower. That said, don’t go overboard! Cutting your grass too short can damage it, making nutrient absorption more difficult and leaving it vulnerable to weed invasion. The ideal length is 2.5 to 3 inches.

Water it when needed

Grass needs moisture to thrive, but it’s all too easy to overdo it. Flooding your lawn can prevent it from getting the oxygen it needs—and even promote weed growth. Likewise, watering too often (even if it’s just a sprinkling) encourages short roots to grow, which isn’t what you want. As a rule, opt for about an inch of water, once a week. When the weather is especially hot, it’s safe to up the frequency slightly. Remember that early morning waterings are best!

Fertilize the right way

Fertilizer is food for your grass, and you’ll want to feed it regularly. Put simply, it’s the key to a gorgeous green lawn! If you fertilized early in the summer, don’t forget to do so again—about once every 6 to 8 weeks is ideal. Of course, nutrient balance is also important. All grass requires nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but the mix you choose should depend on the type of grass you have. A lawn care expert at your local gardening store can help you make the right decision.

Stay on top of weeds

Weeds are the bane of every gardening and lawn-care enthusiast’s existence. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to tackle them—before they get out of hand. While many homeowners opt for chemical fixes, a gentler solution is using a long-handled weeder. To reduce weeds long-term (and spend less time pulling them out), consider supercharging your grass-growing efforts. Use a broadcast spreader to distribute high-quality grass seed, mix it well into the soil, and keep it damp.

A healthy green lawn can boost your enjoyment of your outdoor space—and make your home stand out. With a bit of care and attention, your lawn will be the envy of the neighbourhood this summer. Don’t forget to gently rake leaves and debris come fall!

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