Tips for achieving a greener lawn.

Knowing your grass type. 

It's essential to understand what type of grass you have to improve its soil. You either have cool-season or warm-season grass:

• Cool-season grasses grow in late winter to early spring and go dormant in the summer. They're usually found in northern parts of the U.S.
• Warm-season grasses grow in late spring to early summer and go dormant in the winter. This species is usually more prominent in southern parts of the country.

Different grass types within these two categories require different maintenance techniques to stay healthy. For example, research the characteristics of Bermuda, Zoysia, fescue, or any other species in your yard. Once you understand your grass type, you'll know what maintenance it requires to stay green.

If you need help identifying your grass type (and caring for it), hire a top-rated local lawn care service near you. They can recommend a maintenance plan and schedule to help you achieve greener grass.

Testing and improving your soil. 

Grass needs sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil to get greener and healthier. Here are some of the factors and conditions that impact how well your grass will grow:

• How dense is the soil? The roots will struggle to establish themselves if the soil is too compacted.
• Is your soil's pH just right? If it's too acidic or alkaline, you may have problems. 
• How much water is your soil getting? Your soil shouldn't be too wet or too dry.
• Does your soil have the proper nutrients? Getting the nutrient levels in the soil just right is paramount to achieving a greener lawn. Without the proper fuel, you won't have green grass.

Testing the soil is critical to learn about any potential nutrient deficiencies in your soil. For example, your soil may lack nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium.

It's recommended that you test your soil every 3 to 5 years. Test your soil to see whether it is too acidic or alkaline for the type of grass you're growing:

• If the soil is too acidic, you may need to add liming material.
• If the soil is too alkaline, consider adding sulfur.

You've tested your soil. Now what?

Once you know what your soil needs, the next step is soil quality restoration (SQR). For example, consider tilling your soil. 

Tillage is the process of aerating the lawn. This can help encourage root growth, control weeds, and integrate fertilizers into the soil. It can also allow proper drainage and air to permeate, allowing seeds to germinate.

You should also consider adding organic matter to improve water retention and soil structure. Organic matter can also provide nutrients for grass. 

Because this task is so crucial, hiring a lawn care professional is best. 

Effective lawn fertilization.

If your soil is lacking adequate nutrients, it's time to add fertilizer. Fertilizer is essential for a thriving lawn. Here are some routes you could take to find the right lawn fertilizer:

• Ask for product advice at a nursery or garden center.
• Have your soil tested, and use the results to guide you.
• Ask a local professional to look at your lawn and make a recommendation.

When to fertilize your grass.

Factors like your location, climate, and cultivar determine when and how you should fertilize your lawn. 

Find out during which months fertilizing your cultivar in your region is most effective. Again, this is why it's essential to know whether you have cool-season or warm-season grass. Your lawn care professional can help you create a fertilizing schedule. 

Here's a fertilizing schedule you can use for your grass type, according to Lawn Starter:

Lawn fertilization methods. 

You can always apply the fertilizer by hand (wearing gloves for protection), but it's not the best way to distribute it evenly. The recommended method for smaller lawns is to use a suitable, top-of-the-line drop-type spreader. This allows for safe, even distribution.

Organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers.

I have children, dogs, and chickens running around on my lawn, so chemical fertilizers were not an option. I ensured the lawn care service I used only used organic fertilizer on the grass. The results were phenomenal, and my mind was at ease knowing my kids and animals (including the earthworms) would be safe. 

A few examples of organic fertilizers include manures, compost, and bone meal.

Preventing weeds, diseases, and insects.

Weeds, fungi, and insects can wreak havoc on a lawn. These culprits can cause your grass to turn brown or yellow instead of a beautiful green. Eliminating them takes a multifaceted approach, but first, you have to know what you're dealing with.

Many online resources can help you identify what weeds, diseases, or insects are taking over your lawn. After you identify what's harming your lawn, there are several ways to remove weeds, diseases, and pests from lawns. 

For those preferring natural lawn care, there are eco-friendly alternatives. Manual weed removal or organic herbicides can control weeds effectively. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization also prevent weed growth. 

Beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises naturally control pests. Organic insecticides like neem oil or garlic spray can protect your lawn without harming the environment.

Again, hiring a lawn care professional to assess your grass is the best way to identify the problem. They can then help you eliminate the culprit and ensure it stays away. 

Watering your grass the right way.

You won't achieve a greener lawn if you don't get the timing and amount of water you give it right. Implementing these lawn watering tips to get your grass greener:

• Only water your lawn when it needs it.
• Water the grass in the coolest times of the day.
• Water the lawn slowly and deeply.
• Use a sprinkler that releases bigger drops and is low to the ground.
• Check the weather report — there's no use soaking the lawn today if it rains tomorrow.

Also, check out these helpful guides for more tips on how long (and when) you should water your grass type: 

• How long should you water your lawn?
• What temperature is too hot to water grass?

Proper lawn mowing and maintenance.

Proper mowing height contributes significantly to maintaining a greener lawn or greener turf. Here's what I've been doing to keep my looking great:

• Mow the grass at the right height for a healthier lawn. Cutting grass too short can harm your lawn's health. Follow the one-third rule, which means cutting only one-third of the grass blade's height at a time. This promotes a stronger root system and a healthier, more drought-resistant lawn, helping you get greener grass.
• Dull blades can damage your lawn. Ensure your lawn mower blades are sharp before you start cutting your grass.
• Mowing is something you need to do routinely to keep your lawn green. It promotes lateral growth and keeps the density of the grass in check.

The ideal height for your blades of grass may vary based on multiple factors. It's worth having your lawn care specialist advise you on the proper mowing height and frequency for your particular grass type.

Related: How often should you mow your lawn?

Enhancing your lawn with seed.

If your lawn has bare spots, fill them with grass seeds. Just be sure to plant the right grass for your region. Different regions have varying climate conditions and soil types that affect lawn growth. Research the grass varieties that thrive in your area. 

You can look into overseeding techniques for a thicker lawn. Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. It may help you achieve a thicker, healthier lawn. 

Prepare the soil for successful germination and growth by removing debris and loosening it with 

a rake. Spread the seed evenly, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. Keep the seeded area consistently moist by lightly watering several times a day. Once the grass begins to grow, gradually reduce watering frequency and increase the amount to encourage deep root growth.

Many resources are available to give you tips for successful germination and growth, and a local lawn care professional can also help you with this project.

How to instantly make your grass greener.

There are a few ways to get greener grass quicker. You can consider the following strategies for your lawn:

• Use synthetic fertilizer. It makes grass green faster, but you'll need to weigh its pros and cons. It's quick, but it won't stay green as long, and it is not an environmentally friendly option.
• Install artificial grass. You'll have an instant green lawn that is relatively low maintenance. But again, look closely at the pros and cons because there's debate over whether it's a safe or eco-friendly option.
• Use lawn paint or turf colorants. Painting or dying your grass green gives you an instant reward. However, consider whether you want to do it for the foreseeable future because it's a temporary fix and does little to promote a healthy lawn.

Things that can prevent your lawn from becoming greener.

Your grass may not turn green for a few reasons, including bad soil, lack of sunlight, pests, diseases, weeds, and insufficient water. Additionally, you should try to avoid the following: 

• Extreme weather. Extreme weather conditions and events can damage your lawn. If you live in a hot and dry area, consider replacing your grass with drought-resistant landscaping.
• Foot traffic. Areas with heavy foot (and paw) traffic tend to be downtrodden and an eye-sore. To avoid this, consider adding pathways with stepping stones and paving.
• Animal excrement. Animal urine and feces can damage many types of grass. Possible solutions to this problem include training pets to go potty in specific lawn areas. Or, choose a grass type (like tall fescue, Bermuda, or Zoysia) that isn't as sensitive to urine or feces. 

Book professional lawn care services near you.

Achieving a greener lawn can be a long process requiring several methods. If you don't have the time, equipment, or expertise, consider hiring a professional. 

Thumbtack has many professionals who can get the job done for you. For example, you can find the following pros:

• Lawn care services
• Gardeners
• Weed control services
• Irrigation specialists
• Landscapers
• Pest control services
• Arborists
• And more

Download the Thumbtack app and get free estimates from top-rated professionals near you.