So a green lawn is always a healthy lawn, right? Not always! Now of course a green lawn that appears healthy more than likely doesn’t have signs of a lawn disease or even insect damage. Often, one fails to see what's going on below the surface, in your turfs soil. In this article we are going to dig a little deeper (no pun intended!) and talk about your turf's soil, and the lawn care treatments you can do to ensure a healthy lawn from the ground up.

Maintaining Nutrient Rich Soil

Of course you can have a green lawn by fertilizing it, but is that just a temporary fix?  Often fertilizer acts as a quick "pick me up" for lawns, with major problems in the soil.  Fertilizing is very important and provides nutrients to your turf, but when you have healthy soil it works even better.  If you have weak, unhealthy soil and you are fertilizing your lawn, you are merely making your lawn appear healthy. 

It's important to feed your soil, not just your lawn.  Within the soil micro-organisms habitat and add valuable nutrients that your lawn uses. The wrong combinations of products, or treatments that don't address these organisms can kill them. The best way to ensure that these organisms continue to provide nourishment to your lawn is to have a lawn care program that includes a soil amendment (such as limestone or a vitamin micro nutrient application). 

Also, micro-organisms feed on raw material, which means that it is important to aerate your lawn often!  Aerating opens up the thatch layer below the surface.  Soil cores are pulled out are left on the surface to break down.  After you mow, the chopped up grass lies on the lawn and fills those soil pores with the organic resources it needs.

What does healthy soil mean?

Perks of having healthy soil includes reduced need of water.  You won’t need to water nearly as much as you used to.  Of course, you should still fertilize.  However, you won’t have to apply as much now that you have healthy soil.  Finally, you now have a REAL green and healthy lawn!  Healthy soil leaves little room for things such as lawn disease, weeds, or insect damage.

More Lawn Care Tips

Weed Pro is ready to help you get that perfect lawn you always wanted this spring. That's why we've put together this Money Saving Spring Lawn Care Guide that will outline the steps you need to take to get the best looking lawn. The best part is that it's yours for free, simply by clicking on the button below!

 

 

Shaun Kanary has been a part of the Green Industry for the past 15 years. As the Director of Marketing for Weed Pro Lawn Care, a Cleveland and Columbus Lawn Care Service Provider, Shaun is a regular contributor to the Weed Pro Blog, and other industry magazine and blogs.  Shaun on Google+     Shaun on LinkedIn     Shaun on Twitter