A Lush Lawn Starts with the Basics
Every homeowner dreams of a thick, green lawn—but achieving it starts with simple, consistent care. The real secret lies in mastering the basics: mowing, watering, and understanding your soil. These three elements work together to support healthy, long-lasting grass growth. At Razors Hedge, we believe that a well-maintained lawn isn’t just beautiful—it’s a reflection of good yard care practices. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Mowing: It’s Not Just About Cutting Grass
How you mow affects your lawn more than you might think. Cutting your grass too short or too often can stress it out and lead to patchy, weak growth.
Lawn mowing tips:
- Mow high. Set your mower blade to a height of 2.5–3 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, keeping it cooler and helping retain moisture.
- Follow the 1/3 rule. Never cut more than one-third of the grass height at once. This prevents shock to the grass.
- Keep blades sharp. Dull mower blades tear grass, leaving jagged edges that are prone to disease.
Bonus Tip: Vary your mowing direction each time to prevent soil compaction and encourage upright growth.
2. Watering: Consistency Over Quantity
Watering your lawn isn’t just about frequency—it’s about depth and timing. Too little, and your lawn turns brown. Too much, and you risk shallow roots and fungal problems.
Watering best practices:
- Water deeply, but less often. Aim for 1 inch of water per week, ideally in one or two sessions.
- Water early. The best time is early morning, between 6–10 AM. This reduces evaporation and allows blades to dry before nightfall.
- Use a rain gauge. Keep track of rainfall so you don’t overwater unnecessarily.
Pro Tip: If footprints remain visible on your grass after walking, it likely needs water.
3. Soil: The Foundation of Lawn Health
If your lawn never seems to thrive no matter what you do, the problem might be under your feet.
Healthy soil = healthy lawn. Poor soil can block nutrients and water from reaching the roots.
Soil care tips:
- Aerate once a year. This relieves compaction and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone.
- Test your soil. A simple soil test can reveal pH levels and nutrient imbalances. Based on the results, you can choose the right fertilizer or soil amendment.
- Add organic matter. Compost or topdressing with nutrient-rich soil can improve texture and microbial activity.
Did You Know? In Kelowna, soil aeration is especially beneficial in early fall. The Okanagan’s hot, dry summers can lead to compacted soil, making it harder for water and nutrients to reach the roots. Aerating in September or early October helps your lawn recover before winter and promotes stronger growth in spring.
Final Thoughts: Start with the Right Foundation
A vibrant lawn doesn’t happen overnight—but with consistent mowing, smart watering, and a focus on soil health, you’ll see steady improvement. And if you’re not sure where to start, Razors Hedge is here to help. From lawn maintenance and aeration to complete yard care, we tailor our services to your lawn’s unique needs.
📞 Contact us today for a professional assessment or to schedule regular lawn care that keeps your yard looking its best.
