GREEN THUMB
My putter-worthy tips will make your lawn look like a golf course – and a dad joke to listen for to know you did it well
Plus the watering mistake most people make
FOLLOWING a few lawn care tips could be the key to making your grass look so good that Tiger Woods will feel right at home.
A landscaping pro has broken down how to do it — and quipped that when it's done well, you're sure to hear a cheesy dad joke from your neighbors.
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Golf courses are known for their bold green color and healthy lawns that have been trimmed perfectly as this can affect gameplay.
Brandon Rushing, founder and CEO of Brandon Rushing Lawn and Garden Care in Northern Virginia, said home gardeners can achieve the same desirable look in their yards by considering four factors.
And when it's done well, you'll know.
"It’s the ultimate goal of many homeowners to have a neighbor walk by their lawn and shout, in consummate dad-joke fashion, 'Fore!'" he said.
"It’s a sign that you have that coveted golf course lawn.
"But how do you earn that dad joke? It’ll take some time and effort, but it’s very doable."
NO SHORTCUTS
Rushing advised people not to attempt to extend the time between trims by mowing their lawns very short.
He said this can increase the number of weeds and cause discoloration as the grass can’t catch enough sun.
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Instead, mower blades should be set at 3.5 to 4.5 inches and sharpened every 20 to 25 hours of use.
He also said a different pattern should be used each time to help grass grow straight up.
DILIGENTLY USE FERTILIZER
Rushing said root growth can be hindered and the lawn burned if fertilizer is incorrectly applied.
He recommended using a soil kit to find out what type of fertilizer would help your lawn thrive.
I’m a lawn care pro – most people are mowing their yards all wrong, my tip promotes thick grass that crowds out weeds
It should be applied in early spring, late spring, late summer, fall, and before it snows.
He said a spreader can be used to achieve even distribution.
Over 6,000 Amazon customers have bought a soil kit test for $15.99 in the past month.
One person said it helped them to transform their garden after a “bad year” in which they struggled to grow vegetables.
It’s the ultimate goal of many homeowners to have a neighbor walk by their lawn and shout, in consummate dad-joke fashion, 'Fore!'
Brandon Rushing
“I bought nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the early spring and rototilled it in 3 times,” the shopper said.
“My garden had been abundant this year, and dark green healthy leaves.”
MAKE A SPLASH
Rushing said many people unknowingly over-water their lawns.
“If you’re watering manually, water just once a week for 90 to 120 minutes,” he advised.
This helps the grass to become more durable and reduces the chances of drowning.
A smart irrigation system can be installed to reduce costs over time and ensure the right amount of water is evenly distributed throughout.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon's Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa's Weeder - The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
WEED CONTROL
"You don’t want weeds on your lawn," Rushing said.
"They can rob your lawn of nutrients and sunlight, contribute to insect infestation and they’re just plain ugly!"
He revealed herbicides should be considered a “last resort” as they may damage plants surrounding the weeds.
His preferred alternative is handpicking or using a tool to manually remove the unwanted plants.
Tony Williams is the Estate Manager at Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens in the UK.
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He previously suggested mixing four liters of vinegar, 250 grams of salt, and a tablespoon of soap for a “potent” weed killer.
He said lemon juice is also a “simple natural herbicide” that causes weeds to wither.
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