A fresh, lush lawn is one of the best ways to give your home a facelift, and it starts with the perfect grass seed. Although it may seem like a simple enough process to pick the most popular option and spread it on your property, there are a few things you should do first. Planning and preparation can go a long way in helping you attain the yard of your dreams.
Understand watering needs
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As with all plants, some grass seed tolerates drought more than others. Other grasses can suffer from excess water.
Doing a little research on how much precipitation your area receives annually can help you decide which grass seed will be best for you. You might receive too much or too little moisture for some types. Although you can compensate by watering, choosing a seed suited for your region is better for the environment and your pocketbook.
Find a reputable supplier
One of the most important things you can do to find an excellent grass seed is to go through a reputable supplier. Not all grass seed comes from a trustworthy source, so finding a high-quality seed can significantly affect your lawn’s success.
The key is to seek experts who know the fine details of making a yard perfect. They should be able to help you determine everything from how much seed you will need per square foot to easy tips and tricks that will help keep your lawn green.
Research your zone
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A hardiness zone reflects the general climate of the area that you live in. Plants are graded on their hardiness, and depending on how tolerant they are of the climate, they will grow in different zones.
Determining what zone you live in is relatively easy and only takes a little research. Try to narrow it down to your local area since different terrains can create microclimates. You will need to find a grass seed that can tolerate both the coldest and warmest seasons in the region that you live in.
Test the pH level of your soil
The pH level of your soil measures how acidic or alkaline it is. Some plants prefer slightly acidic environments, while others won’t tolerate a pH level above neutral.
Testing the pH level of your soil will be a necessary step when selecting the best seed for your property. You may also find that your soil needs to be more acidic or basic for a specific seed. Fortunately, there are a few different methods to increase or decrease the pH level of your yard, such as adding eggshells or sulfur, depending on your needs.
Observe the lighting
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You might assume that you already know how much light your lawn gets, but you might be surprised to find that you receive more or less shade than you might have thought, especially if you have yet to observe your yard at different times of the day.
You should take the time to check out how much light your lawn is getting at different times and in areas around shrubs and trees. Knowing your lighting situation can help you make a more accurate decision about choosing a grass seed that will tolerate the lighting conditions. If you get a lot of shade or your house faces north, consider a grass seed that does better in partial shade.
Consider maintenance requirements
Maintaining a lawn is a lot of work and often requires more than regular watering and diligent mowing. You will also need to aerate and fertilize. Depending on where you live, you may have to deal with intruders like dandelions.
Different kinds of grass seeds can accommodate certain levels of maintenance. If you are an especially busy person, choose a grass seed that requires less of your attention. Zoysia and Bermuda grass are both hardy and easy to grow.
Know your style preferences
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When selecting your seed, you shouldn’t discount your style preferences. The way your lawn looks is the first impression you give to guests and passersby. Plus, a great yard is an easy way to boost resale value.
Different grass seeds will produce different shades and textures and even grow at different lengths. Do some research and look around to get an idea of what yours could look like. When you take a second look, you might be surprised by what you like or don’t like.
Wrap up
Choosing the right grass for your property can be a challenging but exciting process. With a bit of research and confidence in your intuition, you’ll be well on your way to a yard that will make your neighbors jealous.