As we move closer to spring, I wanted to share a few pointers that may help residents achieve a healthier, better‑looking lawn.  I know some homeowners like to take extra steps in their yards, and my hope is to explain how certain well‑intended actions can actually have negative effects if not done properly.

 

Fertilization Program

I’ve seen this often in the community: someone wants a greener, healthier lawn, so they fertilize, fertilize, fertilize. Fertilization does provide essential nutrients that your lawn may not naturally receive from the soil, especially in high‑traffic or nutrient‑poor areas. However, fertilizer must be applied at the right time and in the proper amounts.

Over‑fertilization can cause:

•     Rapid, weak growth

•     Increased water needs

•     Long‑term turf stress

•     More frequent mowing requirements

Extra fertilizer causes grass to grow too fast, which leads to lawns looking scalped when mowed on the community’s 7‑day schedule. Mower height cannot be customized per home due to cost and time, but it is adjusted throughout the season to reach the optimal height once temperatures peak in July/August. One option for homes with rapid growth is to have the lawn mowed between the community’s regular service visits.

•    Slow‑release fertilizers are preferred because they provide steady nutrient delivery without causing excessive growth.

 

Irrigation Best Practices

•    Start the system early in the spring to allow time for any needed repairs.

•     Irrigation must apply water evenly to avoid dry spots or runoff.

•     Avoid light, frequent watering — it leads to shallow roots and increased water dependency.

•     Bermuda grass needs 1 inch of water per week (including rainfall).

Use a rain gauge to measure output and determine correct run times. You can do this by running your irrigation system for a set time — for example, 15 minutes — and measuring how much water is applied. Once you’ve checked a few zones, you’ll know how long to run the system twice a week to achieve the 1‑inch requirement.

•     Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and lower disease risk.

•    Winterization steps to complete before the first freeze:

        •     Turn off the main irrigation water supply

        •     Drain the system

        •     Run controller cycles to release pressure

        •     Open valves to release remaining water

 

Core Aeration

•     Aeration improves the movement of water, air, and nutrients into the soil.

•     It promotes deeper root growth and overall lawn health.

•     It enhances turf thickness, drought tolerance, and long‑term performance.

•    Make sure to call in a locate on your utilities before aerating.

•    Mark all irrigation heads to avoid damage.

•    Core plugs do not need to be removed from the turf after aeration is preformed