Yesterday I wrote about how landscaping and a healthy lawn can actually bring up the value of your property. But how do you get that money-making, weed-free lawn? Whether you do it yourself or pay a professional, the best thing to do is start by removing any weeds. If your lawn is primarily covered in weeds, you may want to use an herbicide or other weed-removal product that you can pick up at your local home improvement store. Otherwise, you can remove the weeds yourself manually. Just be sure to remove the weeds by the root; using a handheld weeder or hoe (there are several types of each) is your best bet. After you remove the weeds you should detatch your lawn. Dethatching is loosening the matted debris that settles under the grass, stealing nutrients from the grass. You can detatch your lawn with a thatching rake or power dethatcher. Be aware that after detatching you will wonder if your lawn will ever look good again, but it will heal in a month or so. After dethatching you should check a section of your lawn to check on the roots. You want the roots of your lawn to extend 2 or more inches below the surface. If that’s not the case, you should water your lawn and aerate it a day or two later. Finally, find out what type of grass you have and overseed to cover any any bare spots, but be sure to evenly spread seed over the whole lawn. If you have a cool-season grass you should seed in early spring or early fall. If you have a warm-season grass you should seed in early summer. Whenever you seed, be sure to water immediately to help set the seed. Of course, once you go through all the trouble of establishing a healthy lawn you need to be sure to mow, water, and feed consistently and appropriately.
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.