We at Gecko Green know that taking care of your lawn is a lot of work. As homeowners, you desire that perfect green, lush lawn, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
There is so much information and opinions on how to best take care of a lawn. Below, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions on lawn care to take all the guesswork out.
Mowing
What factors should I consider when mowing my lawn?
Important things to assess about your lawn are the size, land condition, and mower type. The size of your lawn will most likely dictate the type of mower you will use.
If your lawn is less than half an acre a push mower will suffice. If you have a larger lawn then it might be beneficial to get a riding lawn mower.
You will also want to factor in the land condition. Take note of any hills, uneven areas, or trouble spots in your lawn. If you have a lot of land variation, you may consider hiring a professional mowing service.
How often should I mow my grass?
This answer varies depending on the grass type, time of year, and the type of climate you are in. When winter to spring transitions and your grass starts to green up again, typically you can mow every 10-14 days.
When the full growing season starts usually at the beginning of May you might need to mow every week until cooler weather arrives in the fall.
What height should I cut my grass?
Every grass type has an ideal mowing height that can also vary depending on the season. For more information check out our mowing guide.
It may be tempting to cut your grass short to mow it less often. However, cutting grass too short can open it up to a host of problems. On the other hand, grass shouldn’t be left to grow too long. This can create the ideal environment for insects and other issues.
The general rule of thumb when cutting your grass is to use the 1/3 rule. To maintain a healthy lawn, you should never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blades at a time. This will cut enough off to keep it healthy and at the same time won’t stunt the growth by removing too much.
What should I do with grass clippings?
As long as you are following the 1/3 rule when mowing leaving grass clippings on the lawn can be beneficial. It puts nutrients back into the lawn.
If your grass height is tall (clippings greater than 1 inch) then it’s best to remove them. Long grass clippings can smother the lawn below it and cause lawn damage. If you see signs of lawn disease or your lawn is full of weeds it’s best to remove the grass clippings to prevent the spread of disease.
How do I mow my grass if it’s become overgrown and too tall?
Never cut it down in one mowing pass. This can damage the lawn and risk the health of the grass. If the grass is very tall you may consider using a trimmer to take the top layer off first. Give your lawn a rest and the ability to heal after cutting. Consider mowing over the course of several days, little by little.
When should I stop mowing before the cold season?
There are a few factors to consider, including temperature, leaves falling, and the season’s first frost. When the daytime temperature drops to about 40-50 degrees consistently, the grass growth will start to slow down.
Typically, this occurs from late October to early November depending on location.
Watch for the falling leaves in the fall. When about half the leaves have fallen grass growth will start to slow. One of the best indications it’s time to put away your mower is after the first frost of the season.
Find out when the first frost of the season in your area will occur.
When should I start mowing my yard after winter?
You should pick back up mowing after the last freeze of the season. This varies depending on location but generally will occur mid to late March.
Find out when the last frost of the season in your area will occur.
Basic Lawn Care
What type of grass do I have?
Knowing your grass type is important because it can dictate how you properly care for it. For example, it’s crucial to know if your grass is warm-season grass or cool-season grass.
Both types have distinct characteristics and specific needs to manage their upkeep correctly. It can be hard to identify grass. Call Gecko Green and we will be glad to aid you in this.
What are warm-season grasses?
Warm-season grass begins to actively grow and become green in late spring and will then become dormant in early fall.
- Bermuda
- Bahia
- Carpet
- St. Augustine
- Centipede
- Zoysia
What are cool-season grasses?
Cool-season grasses being to green up in early to mid-spring and will stay greener longer into late fall. Each grass type flourishes best in different growth zones across the country.
- Annual Ryegrass
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Creeping Fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine Fescue
- Tall Fescue
What does it mean to scalp my lawn and when should I do it?
Scalping grass means removing more than one-third of the grass blade per mow. Usually, this practice isn’t recommended but there are circumstances when it is necessary.
One reason to do this is to remove dead grass, build-up, and debris that might have occurred during the winter dormancy months. New growth will occur sooner.
Rules to follow: Only scalp Bermuda grass not St Augustine or Zoysia. In addition, this method should not be used on cool-season grasses.
Irrigating
How often should I water my lawn?
This varies greatly depending on where you live in the country, the climate, the season, and the type of grass you have.
Generally speaking, it’s best to water your lawn 1-2 times per week. For accuracy, we recommend consulting with a local lawn expert.
Local to the North Texas area? Here is a comprehensive watering guide.
When is the best time of day to water my yard?
It’s best to water your lawn in the morning from 5 am to 10 am. Since the temperature is cooler in the morning, it allows for maximum water absorption.
Gecko Green Services
What type of lawn services are provided by Gecko Green?
Gecko Green is proud to offer several local lawn services that will have your lawn looking like the best one on the block. Our services include:
- Lawn aeration
- Lawn fertilization
- Grub control
- Fungus and disease prevention
- Weed control management
Does Gecko Green provide landscaping or mowing services?
No, Gecko Green is strictly a lawn care service, not a mowing service. A mowing service and a lawn care service offer completely different services.
A mowing service focuses on mowing, landscaping, trimming, edging, and pruning.
A lawn care service concentrates on the health of your lawn. Services include weed control, fertilization, tree and shrub care, pest control, and more.
Why do I need a professional lawn care service?
There are multiple advantages to hiring a professional lawn care service like Gecko Green. Lawn care is more than just fertilizing and watering a lawn.
To get the lawn of your dreams, problems need to be diagnosed and addressed, which is exactly what Gecko Green does. We provide an individualized care plan for your lawn that will provide treatments strategically timed throughout the year.
In addition, a professional company will use professional-grade products that are more effective than most of the products you can find in your local gardening store.
Hiring a service will also save you the time and headache of trying to do it yourself.
Call Gecko Green
Gecko Green is here to help with any of your lawn problems or desires. We understand that your lawn is unique and requires special attention. Call us today to speak with one of our licensed technicians about your lawn.
