Steps to a Glorious New Lawn

For any type of property, the lawn is the largest feature that stands out with the home and is often the first impression that is made on guests. Lawns that have dead spots or yellow areas can detract from the property and cause it to look neglected. To revamp your lawn and allow it to look glorious, there are a few steps to take to feel proud of the space without having to take extreme measures.

1. Mow High

One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make with their lawn is mowing too low, which can damage the root system and make it susceptible to heat and droughts. Avoid mowing lower than two inches, a length which will also work to shade out weed seeds.

2. Use the Right Amount of Fertilizer

The correct fertilizer in the proper amount can prove a remarkable boon to a lawn. However, if you apply fertilizer too frequently, though you promote grass growth, you may also make that same grass more susceptible to certain insects and diseases. Don’t get too excited and overload your lawn with fertilizer, as you may end up burning the lawn. Once in the spring and once in the fall is enough.

Each grass type will require specific proportions of nitrogen in the fertilizer, so refer to this table from Dummies.com to know how much your particular grass species needs.

3. Water the Lawn Less

Watering the lawn less can actually allow it to have a brighter color if you attempt to water it for longer periods instead of more frequently. This will allow the roots to grow deeper for a healthier yard that stands out in the neighborhood.

4. Remove Thatch

Thatch is commonly seen on yards and accumulates after each time the lawn is mowed. Although it’s normal to have a fair amount of thatch on the soil, it can eventually begin to limit the airflow and prevent enough water from being absorbed by the roots. Clean up the dead grass and roots after mowing the lawn and keep the thatch below half an inch thick.

5. Consider Re-sodding

Some people will try technique after technique to resuscitate their lawn, and still end with nothing to show for it. There are certain conditions where you should toss in the towel and simply re-sod. New sod already has a thick root base and is a great way to reconstruct your lawn if the damage is too extensive. Sod Atlanta, with Atlanta’s best selection of sod, recommends a zoysia sod for their particular climate. Learn about your local ecosystem conditions to help you match your sod to your specific environment.

6. Compost the Grass Clippings

By composting the grass clippings after you mow the lawn, it will improve water drainage and will balance the pH levels of the soil. According to cleanairgardening.com, compost will also work to attract insects and bugs, which will allow the environment to thrive and remain healthy in each season.

7. Vacuum Pebbles

By removing pebbles and gravel with a vacuum cleaner on your lawn, you’ll prevent dead spots from developing by allowing proper air flow and plenty of exposure to sunlight. This will work more effectively than using a rake to remove the stones.




Although maintaining a glorious lawn may require proper care on a consistent basis, there are many simple steps to take that are easy to perform for a healthy yard. By practicing a few habits that are easy to implement, you’ll become more aware of how to protect your yard and allow it to thrive.