When you think of a healthy lawn, it’s important to think about what is going on beneath the surface. The health of the grass roots and root system are vital to a healthy lawn. You want to have deep root growth rather than shallow root growth. Root systems that grow deeper into the ground produce healthier blades above ground. Shallow root systems, on the other hand, are susceptible to disease, damage and dead spots. Here’s how to keep your grass roots growing strong.
Know your mowing height – Mow to the right height for your particular type of grass. And don’t go too long between mowing’s. You never want to cut off more than one-third of the blade when you mow. So, mow frequently enough to keep grass at the right height without having to cut off too much of the blade. Doing so can actually damage your grass and weaken root systems.
Consider soil conditions – The condition of your soil also plays a role in the depth of your root growth. Ideally, soil should be fairly compact but with plenty of air pockets to oxygenate the root system. If the soil is too compact, like many clay-based soils, it chokes out the air pockets and weakens the root system. Root systems need oxygen to thrive. If your soil is too dense and choking out root growth, mixing it with compost can help.
Water the right way – The key to watering your grass is to water deeper, not more often. It’s important for the water to penetrate the ground about four to six inches to reach the root system and support deep root growth. When you water more frequently but not as deeply, you’ll end up with a shallow root system that is vulnerable to disease and damage.
Consider an irrigation system – An irrigation system can be set to provide the right amount of water at the right intervals to help you grow and maintain a healthy deep root system. Programmable settings and a water sensor system can help take the guesstimation out of watering your lawn. Today’s irrigation systems can sense how much water your lawn has received from weather and provide the right amount of additional water to meet your lawn’s water needs.
The key to having a healthy lawn is to keep grass roots growing strong. Growing a deep root system is all in the details of how you care for your lawn, or how your lawn care provider cares for your lawn. Your Oasis Outdoor Care has the expertise to give you a deep, healthy root system and a beautiful lawn. Our Irrigation Services team can also set up an irrigation system for you to make sure your lawn gets the proper amount of water consistently.