FAQs
Ways to Make the Most of Your Lawn 🌱
Each year, American homeowners spend millions of dollars on lawn care products—everything from drought-resistant grass and organic mulch to high-tech sprinklers that use less water. While new innovations flood the market, the real secret to a healthy, beautiful lawn lies in using the right techniques.
If you’re not applying best lawn care practices, no amount of money spent on fancy products will yield long-lasting results. The good news? You can work smarter, not harder, and still have the best lawn on your street.
Follow these expert strategies to achieve a lush, low-maintenance lawn that saves you time, money, and water.
1. Start with a Soil Test – The Foundation of a Healthy Lawn
If you're unsure where to start, test your soil before buying any lawn products. Knowing your soil's pH level, moisture content, and organic material balance helps you identify exactly what your lawn needs.
💡 How to test your soil:
- Collect samples from 5–6 different spots in your yard, taking soil from the top 3 inches.
- Mix the samples together in a baggie and let them dry out.
- Send them to UMASS Amherst Soil Lab (or a local lab) for a test—costs about $15 and results come back in a week.
- For Pearl’s Premium and many other grasses, the ideal pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8.
- If pH is too low, spread 40 lbs. of pelletized lime per 1,000 sq. ft. If too high, use a small amount of sulfur—but don’t overdo it!
2. Use Organic Compost & Fertilizers—Ditch the Chemicals
Avoid chemical weed-and-feed products that contain harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Instead, choose:
✔ Certified organic fertilizers
✔ Better yet, organic compost! (A ¼-inch compost layer is perfect)
Why go organic?
- Slow-release nutrients keep your lawn healthier for longer.
- Chemical fertilizers can burn your grass, pollute groundwater, and harm kids, pets, and pollinators.
- Organic matter improves soil permeability, allowing water to soak deep instead of running off.
🌍 Fun Fact: Europe has already banned chemical fertilizers with pesticides due to their impact on health and the environment—parts of North America are following suit.
3. Leave the Clippings – Nature’s Free Fertilizer
When mowing, don’t bag your grass clippings—instead, leave them on the lawn.
✔ Acts as a natural mulch
✔ Returns nutrients back to the soil
✔ Helps retain moisture
💡 Tip: Use a mulching mower or a mulching blade to break down clippings effectively.
4. Always Use a Sharp Blade for a Clean Cut
A sharp mower blade slices through grass cleanly, while a dull blade tears the grass, leaving jagged edges that:
❌ Lose moisture faster
❌ Become more susceptible to disease
Solution:
✔ Sharpen your blade every 10 hours of mowing using a simple file.
✔ Always unplug the spark plug before sharpening to prevent accidental start-ups.
5. Mow Higher for Healthier Grass
The taller the grass, the deeper the roots. Cutting your lawn too short weakens it, making it more vulnerable to weeds and drought.
✔ Set your mower to 3.5 to 4 inches tall.
✔ Taller grass shades the soil, preventing weed seeds (like crabgrass) from sprouting.
✔ Deep-rooted grass needs less water and stays green longer in the heat.
6. Choose Deep-Rooted, Low-Maintenance Grass Seed
Many common lawn grasses have shallow roots (2-3 inches) and require constant watering. Instead, choose an all-natural, deep-rooted grass seed like Pearl’s Premium:
✔ Grows 12 to 48-inch roots for extreme drought tolerance
✔ Needs ¼ the water and ¼ the mowing of traditional grass
✔ Stays green year-round without chemicals
💡 Tip: Standard grass varieties from Europe & Kentucky were never meant for our climate—they require too much water and maintenance.
7. Control Weeds Naturally
Preventing weeds is easier than removing them. Here’s how:
✔ Over-seed in early fall or spring to create a dense lawn that outcompetes weeds.
✔ Apply corn gluten meal in early April to block weed germination.
✔ For stubborn weeds, use organic herbicides like Captain Jack’s Deadweed Brew or simply hand-pull them.
💡 Tip: A cup of coffee and 10 minutes of hand-weeding in the morning is a peaceful way to care for your lawn—without chemicals!
8. See More Tips & FAQs on Our Website
Looking for more ways to grow the best lawn on your block?
🌱 Visit our website for:
✔ Weed prevention strategies
✔ Organic lawn care tips
✔ Expert FAQs & guidance
📞 Still have questions? Call us at 508-653-0800—we’re happy to help!