How to Grow Greener Grass

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Always Mow When Grass Is Dry

Don’t mow wet grass. You’ll leave giant clumps of sodden clippings where they’ll smother the thick grass beneath. Not only that, but it’ll also carpet the underside of your mower deck with a thick mat. “That’s my number one tip,” Castillero says. “Always make sure the grass is dry before you mow.”

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Aerate in the Fall

If you have heavy loam or clay soil, you should aerate your lawn each fall. Just before you fertilize, rent an aerator and aerate the lawn from both directions. It will help loosen the soil and allow the fertilizer to penetrate deep into the soil.

Cameron suggests aerating to alleviate compacted soil issues, reduce thatch and improve the ability of water, oxygen and nutrients to reach root systems.

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Cut the Lawn Short Before Winter

Give your lawn a good flat-top for winter. Just this one time each year set your lawn mower to 1-1/2 to 2 inches and clip it off. That’ll help retard mold during the winter.

All other times, you want your blades set to 3 to 3-1/2 inches. “Scalping the lawn may do damage to your turf by cutting to the crown of the plant, [but] in cooler months it’s okay to cut a little shorter,” Cameron says.

FAQs

Why is my neighbor’s lawn greener than mine?

Chances are good that your neighbor is regularly fertilizing and watering their lawn.

Can lime make your grass greener?

Yes. If your soil has a low pH, adding lime can produce greener grass.

About the Experts

Osmar Castillero is the owner of Blades Landscaping Services, a lawn care and maintenance company in Lowell, Massachusetts. He has over 10 years experience in the industry.

Matt Cameron is the owner of CMS Landscaping, a full-service lawn care and irrigation company in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Matt has 15 years of landscaping experience.

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