Everyone wants to know what services they need for their lawn. Whether your lawn is in Burke, Springfield, Vienna, Fairfax, Mclean or Herndon, the practices are generally the same. Consider this post a 101 guide for Fairfax lawn care
Mowing
Of course you need to mow, but suprisingly many people don’t realize how important it is to mow properly. First, you must use sharpened mower blades. Dull mower blades will rip out grass and leave it looking tattered. Sharp blades cut it cleanly and let the grass grow.
Next don’t bag your clippings. Instead use a mulching blade, which chops up the clippings really fine and lets them decompose and fertilize the soil. It’s less hassle and better for the grass, and contrary to popular misconception, it does not contribute to thatch buildup.
Finally, don’t wait too long to mow your lawn. Here in Fairfax, mowing should occur every 7-10 days in Spring and Fall. In summer you can generally switch to bi-weekly as the grass goes dormant and does not grow as quickly. The rule of thumb is to cut off no more than 1/3 of the length of grass.
Fertilization
Fertilization is another must have. In Northern Virginia, you want to fertilize about 5 times per year, mainly in the Spring and Fall. These are the times when the grass is growing. There is such thing as too much fertilizer, so use a spreader and the proper amounts. If you apply too much fertilizer you will see Nitrogren burns in your lawn. If you hire a lawn care provider in Fairfax, expect to pay $50-100 per application.
Aeration
Aeration involves taking lots of little plugs of dirt out of your lawn. Why do this? Well, over time your soil becomes compacted and it becomes difficult for air, water and nutrients to penetrate the soil. Aeration relieves this compaction so that your lawn can eat and breathe again. It is recommended to aerate in the Fall, but it can also be done in early Spring. Typical price for aeration from a lawn care company in Fairfax is $100-$150.
Overseeding
Overseeding involves spreading a thin layer of seed over the entire lawn. This replaces grass that dies throughout the year, and is the key to a lush, green lawn. Note that this is different from seeding a dead spot; typically these involve more than just seeding. For best results, overseeding should occur right after aeration. It is best to do both in the Fall, but they can be done in early spring. Typical pricing for overseeding in Fairfax is $70-120.
If you decide you need any of the services mentioned here, we provide lawn care in Fairfax, Herndon, Reston, Mclean, Vienna, Burke, Arlington, and Alexandria. Give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help out!
