Can’t seem to maintain a healthy, lush-green lawn no matter how hard you try? Being that we’re currently in the “dog days of summer,” some lawns are naturally suffering from heat stress. Even so, there are steps you can take to improve the health and appearance of your lawn, beginning with the soil.

Remove Leaves, Pine Needles and Debris

I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should remove any leaves, pine needles, tree limbs or other debris that’s blanketing your lawn.

Debris such as this encourages the formation of bacteria and mold, which can have devastating effects on both grass and soil.

Aerate

Another easy way to improve your soil is aerate. Some lawn care professionals recommend aerating your soil once every 2-3 years, while others recommend even more frequent aeration.

By aerating your soil, it allows moisture, oxygen and nutrients to reach deep inside; thus, improving the soil’s health.

Consider aerating your lawn either in the late summer or early fall, as this is the time of year when grass thrives and soil is moist.

Test the pH

Of course, you should get into the habit of testing your soil’s pH level on a regular basis. Doing so reveals whether it’s acidic or alkaline.

You can test your soil’s pH level either by using a disposable testing trip or electronic tester, both of which are sold at most home improvement and gardening stores.

The ideal pH level in which most plant species thrive is between 5.5. and 7. Going above or under this amount may restrict your grass’ and plants’ ability to grow.

Watch for Disease

When diseased grass or plants take over a lawn, it can quickly taint the soil, preventing future plant growth. So, examine your lawn for sighs of disease, removing affecting plants and shoots.

Depending on the specific type of disease, you may be able to neutralize it using a treatment of neem oil or some other pesticide chemical.

Add Top-Dressing

What is top-dressing and how can it improve your soil? Top-dressing is a special fertilization technique that involves adding beneficial nutrients to the soil without damaging or otherwise adversely affecting the grass.

Basically, you need to create a top-dressing using a combination of natural ingredients like sand, topsoil and peat, applying it directly to the top of your soil.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

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