Contrary to what you might think, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Sometimes, the grass is in fact greener in your neck of the woods. But green grass isn’t the only important indicator of a healthy lawn. There are other important lawn care and maintenance practices that you can use to ensure that your grass is in tip-top shape this autumn. With that said, here are five proven ways of identifying a healthy lawn.
Examine the Colour of Your Grass
The colour of your grass will never be consistent throughout your entire property as some portions are likely to receive more or less sunshine and water than others. Generally speaking, though, green grass is typically an indicator of a healthy lawn. But don’t be alarmed if your grass starts yellowing sometime in the fall. This is a sign that it’s going dormant in preparation for winter and it’s perfectly normal. You should, however, start worrying if your grass starts turning yellow or brown sometime in the summer as this could be a sign that it’s malnourished.
Thickness
Grass thickness is another excellent indicator of a healthy landscape. If your lawn is extremely patchy to the extent where you can see the topsoil directly through the grass, then you should take action immediately. A healthy lawn should consist of thick layers of grass that continue to hold their shape even when being stepped on.
Uniformity
A perfectly healthy lawn shouldn’t have any small gaps. Instead, it should have a consistent look and texture. Small gaps are a sign that your grass is weak and brittle and that it can’t withstand pressure from rain, snow, or footfall.
Texture of the Grass
With proper autumn lawn care, your grass should have a smooth and almost springy texture. Healthy grass will retain its natural texture and form even after it’s been stepped on or heavy pressure has been applied to it (i.e. the weight of a heavy machine).
What Kind of Thatch Layer Does It Have?
Thatch is organic matter that collects on your lawn including grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and bits of vegetation. This organic matter can be living or dead, but it’s important to the health and survival of your grass because it provides essential nutrients. However, just like anything else in life, it is possible to have too much of a good thing when it comes to thatch. A thin layer of thatch is ideal, but too much of it can actually prevent water from penetrating the surface of the ground and hydrating your lawn and other plants at root level.
Need help with fall lawn care? The landscaping experts at FOREVER GREEN LAWN & LANDSCAPE INC. can help keep your grass fresh and healthy this season. For nearly 25 years, we’ve been providing year-round award-winning lawn and landscaping services in Toronto and the GTA. Our landscaping contractors are professionally trained and have an amazing eye for detail. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation for your commercial or residential property!
