Your home
probably already has a lawn in place. Therefore, we start
this chapter by explaining how to maximize the beauty of
your existing lawn. The finest lawns, such as golf course
greens and Turner Field, are grown on specially prepared
dirt, and graded to eliminate drainage problems, rapid
runoffs, and steep slopes. A good dirt mix is topsoil and
sand, along with organic matter. These lawns are watered
daily, fertilized on a consistent schedule, sprayed with pre
and post emergent weed killers, and cut frequently with
sharp bladed mowers. However, this sounds like too much work
for the majority of us. So, how do we maximize the beauty of
our lawns?
The first
step in maximizing the beauty of your existing lawn is to
concentrate on making your grass thick and plush. Consistent
watering and fertilizing are the two most important factors
in cultivating a beautiful lawn. The best defense
against weeds is a thick, healthy lawn. Socking your
lawn with weed killers may kill the weeds, but it also makes
it more difficult for your grass to flourish. Bare and
thin areas of grass are more susceptible to weed seeds. Weed
killers kill weeds, but also can inhibit the growth of your
grass. The care your lawn needs depends on the type of grass
you have. Our lawn care and renovation recommendations are
broken down by grass type.
Your
lawn adds beauty and value to your home and is one of the
most versatile and functional plants in the landscape. Turf
grass enhances the environment in many ways which are
particularly important in urban areas. Turf is one of the
most effective plant covers. It reduce soil erosion and
surface runoff, while also recharging ground water, which
results in more efficient use of rainfall. A turf area
reduces heat by as much as 30 degrees below that of concrete
or asphalt area, and as much as 14 degrees below that of
bare soil. The cooling effect of the average lawn is equal
to over eight tons of air conditioning, which is twice that
of the average home central air conditioning unit. Turf also
absorbs dust and other air pollutants and produces oxygen.
In most landscapes, turf also occupies the largest area and
provides the best area for outdoor activities.
Lawns
occupy such a large proportion of most lots, and tending
them can take so much time and effort, that its worth
thinking carefully about how much lawn you need and what you
need it for.
From a design
standpoint, the lawns most important function is to serve as
a unifier. Lawns link a garden's major elements, such as
trees, shrubs, flower beds, walks, and pools. It's a
transporter, both visually and physically, taking you from
one area of the property to another. Lawns also enhance the
other plantings by establishing interesting textural and
color contrasts.
The Size of a Lawn
Your lawn's
size depends on several factors, not the least of which is
your budget. If your establishing a new lawn, you'll soon
learn that laying several thousand square feet of sod can be
a pricey proposition. Therefore, you may opt for a smaller
lawn bordered by ground cover or natural areas. The size of
your family also affects this decision. Children enjoy
playing on spacious lawns, but couples and single adults
often find small lawns more appealing. Don't forget that the
amount of maintenance is directly proportional to the amount
of grass. The larger your lawn, the more time you'll spend
mowing, fertilizing, raking, and watering.
Shape is
something most people don't connect with a lawn. In fact, in
many neighborhoods, lawns are essentially shapeless,
blending into one another in a continuous strip of green
down one side of the street. This is unfortunate, for a well
defined lawn can be a dynamic part of your overall design.
One way to define your lawn is to place planting beds
between it and the adjacent lawns. Edging your lawn with
brick bullet edged pavers or concrete curbing will further
emphasize its form. Keep topography and architecture in mind
when deciding on the shape of your lawn.
