The Correct Lawn Variety Is The Foundation For All Beautiful Lawns
March 8, 2010 by
Filed under Lawn Mowing
In this Universal Lawn Care Tip we discover that the most important foundation stone to a great lawn begins with choosing the right lawn variety for our region and environment. As an example, it doesn’t matter how much love and care we give to our Bermuda (Couch) lawn, we will never get it to grow in the shade. All lawns have strengths and weaknesses, some may be great in the shade but wither or die on the first hot day of Summer, while others are perfect for cold or wet environments, and still others will grow near the beach or in a drought without hesitation.
The key principle here is that we can never make a lawn flourish under conditions that are naturally hostile to any given lawn variety. A little bit of research to find the best lawn varieties for our region is the first step, this will narrow down our selections to just a few varieties in most cases.
This is followed by honestly looking at our properties and where we want to grow our new lawn.
Will the lawn grow in full sun? Bermuda (couch) may be perfect. Will the lawn be under high foot traffic? Perhaps a Kikuyu or Bermuda is the solution. Will the lawn grow in partial shade? Durban Grass, Soft Leaf St. Augustine (buffalo) or Kikuyu will tolerate shade best. Is your area under water restrictions? Kikuyu and Zoysia Temple Grass are good choices.
No matter what the environment, there’s a lawn that will make a perfect addition to our properties. Just a little research to find the characteristics of the lawn varieties we are considering will quickly narrow down our choices to the “right choice”.
Importantly, we must remember to look to the future and plan for it now. Two examples follow: our new turf area may be in full sun today, but did we recently plant a beautiful garden around the turf area, or will that new shed we’re planning cast a long shadow over the lawn in the future? If so, we must consider these factors and plan for the future by choosing a shade tolerant lawn now. Having a family on the way will also require a lawn with high traffic tolerance.
Quick Tip: a quick look at that beautiful lawn in the street, and a chat to it’s owner is the best starting point in choosing your perfect lawn variety, he’s already done the hard work in choosing, and chose the right variety!
We now have the most important foundation to creating the lawn of our dreams!
This series of Universal Lawn Care Tips investigates the everyday easy principles involved in basic lawn care that are guaranteed to be the basis of creating and maintaining a beautiful lush green lawn. No matter what the lawn variety and no matter where in the world the lawn is growing, these lawn care tips are the foundation to create the beautiful green carpet of grass that we all envy when we see our neighbours who have mastered the basics and created these lawn masterpieces.
Our next Universal Lawn Care Tip is Correct Mowing Techniques, which reveals Lawn Mowing as so much more than just cutting grass, but also actively reduces weeds and aids in great lawn health if done correctly.
Steve Beckmand is an established and respected lawn care professional. His extensive knowledge of lawn care is derived from 10 years of commitment to excellence within the industry, and complimented by horticultural training. This passion, experience and training for lawn care has been extended to create The Lawn Guide.
For all lawn lovers and anyone interested in making their lawn green, please visit The Lawn Guide for lawn care advice and tips on lawn mowing, weeds and lawn fertilisers.