We’ve finally made it to 2023! The holidays are over and many of us are returning to work and ready to take things on full force. For most of us, we’ve begun planning out our goals for the new year and if you’re as passionate as we are about our lawns, then you’re probably looking forward to when things get warmer again and the grass greens up.

Before the spring arrives, there are some things you can go ahead and do to get ahead of the game for your lawn maintenance plan. Although there’s not a lot of lawn care activity going on right now, having a better understanding of what your lawn needs as we move into the new year will set your lawn up for success this spring and longer. 

To succeed and sustain a thriving lawn, you should use basic lawn care practices, e.g., properly mowing, fertilizing, watering and controlling pests like weeds, disease and harmful insects. Most of these practices should take place when the lawn is green and actively growing.

Selecting the Perfect Fertilizer

Selecting a fertilizer can be a daunting task if you aren’t sure about what you’re looking for. Fertilizer needs also change each season and depend on the type of grass. There is no one-size-fits-all fertilizer, which is why it’s important to provide your type of grass with the nutrients it needs. Carolina Fresh Farms has done a lot of the work for you! Simply refer to our care guides, select your grass type, and discover our expert selections of fertilizer for your grass type.

Get Ahead of Weeds

Another great thing you can do right now to get ahead of the game is to start learning about pre-emergents. Pre-emergents are herbicides designed to prevent weeds from taking over your lawn. They’re often applied in the spring and fall seasons depending on the type of grass. Applying a pre-emergent before weeds begin sprouting is a great way to keep them out. For pre-emergent product recommendations, click here.

Mow at the Right Height

All lawns need mowing when they’re actively growing, but they differ significantly in mowing heights and frequency. Finding the proper mowing practices for your specific grass type helps to promote a more successful lawn. For example, bermudagrass is the fastest-growing warm season grass. Its aggressive, robust growing habits produce a thick, lasting canopy—but it will mean increased mowing during peak season. Bermudagrass should also be mowed at a height specific to its growth pattern. Usually, 1–1.5 inches is the best mowing height for bermudagrass.

Refer to our lawn care guides for more information on ideal mowing heights for your type of grass.

Irrigation

Additionally, irrigation plays a major role in the overall health of your lawn. Most lawns need about 1-inch of water per week. This includes any rain your area may have received during the 7-day period. Watering more than this can potentially lead to standing water or disease issues, which will damage your lawn. On the other hand, not providing your lawn with enough water can be just as devastating. Your lawn is a living organism, so like other organisms, it needs water to survive. Providing it with too little water can cause drought stress.

Prepare for Insect Infestations

Preparing for any harmful insects is an effective precaution. If you know what type of bugs or insects you had to deal with in the past, looking into insecticides that will treat and prevent that particular insect is a good first step. Carolina Fresh Farms knows which insects cause the most damage on a seasonal basis. Be sure to refer to our care guides for product suggestions or contact us with any questions. Our lawn care professionals will be happy to help you.

We hope these tips help you get prepared for warmer temperatures ahead. Having a good understanding of your lawn’s needs can shape the success of your lawn care this year. Happy 2023!