Giving Grass a Fresh Start

Grass is an extraordinary plant, the unsung hero of backyards everywhere. With proper care and feeding, grass can help clean the air, cool the ground, reduce erosion and provide one of the softest outdoor play surfaces. With all of these amazing benefits, it pays to give grass a boost.

Even if your grass isn’t in the best condition, getting it back on the road to recovery is easy.

Increased precipitation is perfect for repairing, seeding and feeding grass. Well-nourished grass withstands harsh conditions better and provides a lush, durable place to play. Follow these tips to make your grass terrific:

Seed

Fill in bare or thin spots with grass seed to encourage a thick lawn, helping to prevent weeds from invading your lawn by blocking access to sunlight. Use a high-quality seed, and to repair larger areas, use Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed with WaterSmart coating.

Feed

Grass needs nutrients to grow strong, deep roots that can endure harsh conditions and grow in thick to help block sunlight. If the lawn does not need reseeding, use a high-quality lawn food like Scotts Turf Builder. This lawn food can be used in any season on any grass type and delivers balanced nutrients for strong, thick grass. Use a starter fertilizer when planting new grass for root growth and seedling development.

When seeding or feeding, use Scotts DLX EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader for larger areas to direct lawn food only where desired.

Mow

Set your mower at the highest setting and leave grass clippings on the lawn. Mow frequently to avoid removing more than one third of the grass height, and do so when grass is dry, to avoid damp clumps that could smother grass. Leaving clippings recycles nutrients stored in them, keeping the soil cooler, encouraging deeper root growth and enriching the soil with organic material.

Water

Grass that is fed and kept at taller heights develops deep roots which are better able to conserve water and withstand periods of heat and drought. Rely on rainfall as the primary source of water. During periods of drought, the lawn can go without water for an extended time. Even though the lawn may look brown and wilted, it will recuperate after the rain returns. If you choose to irrigate the lawn, water less frequently for a longer period of time rather than short frequent waterings.

For more information, visit www.scotts.com.