11 lawn care tips for beginners.

1. Learn your grass type.

From left to right: Zoysia and Bermuda grass.

To create a lush and thriving lawn, it's important to understand the different grass types available and identify what you have in your yard.

There are two main categories: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fine fescue are suitable for regions with cooler climates. Their growing season is in the fall and spring.

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass, zoysia grass and St. Augustine grass grow well in warmer climates. Their growing season is typically in the summer.

Different types of grass need different types of care. If you are starting from scratch or your lawn needs to be regrown, consider your local climate. Choose a grass type that suits your region and yard use.

2. Decide whether you want real or artificial grass.

Next, decide between real and artificial grass. Real grass offers environmental benefits and a classic, natural look and feel but requires ongoing care. Artificial turf, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and provides a consistent appearance year-round. 

Evaluate the pros and cons of each and choose what best suits your budget, needs and aesthetic preferences.

3. Test your soil.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a vibrant lawn. Before making any major moves (like fertilizing or seeding), test your soil to assess its pH level, composition and nutrient content.

For an accurate soil test, contact your local extension office and request a soil test. This information will guide you in making necessary amendments to optimize soil health. Consider factors like drainage, compaction and nutrient deficiencies to ensure your grass thrives.

4. Understand the difference between sod, seed or hydroseeding to establish a lawn.

When establishing a new lawn, you have three primary options: seeding, sodding, or hydroseeding. 

Sod is pre-grown grass that is rolled out onto your prepared soil, providing instant results. Seeding involves spreading grass seed directly onto the soil, promoting long-term growth. Hydroseeding involves a combination of seed, water and other additives sprayed onto the soil, offering fast germination. 

Each method has its advantages and considerations, such as cost, establishment time and effectiveness. Select the method that suits your timeline, budget and preferences.

5. Make a seasonal lawn maintenance schedule.

Keeping your lawn healthy requires a commitment to ongoing maintenance throughout the year. This involves several important practices, including fertilizing, aerating and weeding your lawn.

Check out these seasonal lawn care guides for more information:

• Fall lawn care tips
• Spring lawn care tips
• Summer lawn care tips
  

6. Know when to fertilize your lawn.

Feed your lawn regularly to maintain its health and vigor. Choose a suitable fertilizer based on your grass type and apply it during the recommended periods. 

Fall and spring lawn care maintenance often includes fertilization. But you should conduct a soil test to find out if your grass needs fertilizer. If so, consider using weed-and-feed products to tackle weed control while nourishing your grass.

7. Aerate and dethatch your grass to help it grow.

Aerating helps alleviate soil compaction, allowing air, water and nutrients to reach the roots. Dethatching removes the accumulation of dead grass and debris, promoting better airflow. Both processes enhance root growth and contribute to healthy grass.

8. Remember these lawn watering tips.

Watering is a critical component of lawn care. Remember these lawn watering tips to ensure your grass stays healthy:

• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
• The best time to water is in the early morning, as it minimizes evaporation and discourages fungal growth.
• Consider using sprinklers, hoses or drip irrigation systems.
• Adjust your watering routine to changing weather conditions, focusing on providing about 1 inch of water per week. 

Related: What temperature is too hot to water grass?

9. Memorize the dos and don'ts of lawn mowing.

Proper lawn mowing technique plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy lawn and grass height. Set your lawn mower at the recommended mowing heights for your grass type to prevent stress and promote strong root development. Use these lawn mowing tips:

• Do mow when the grass reaches around one-third higher than the ideal height.
• Don't cut too short, as it weakens the grass and increases weed competition.
• Do regularly sharpen your mower blades for clean cuts and healthier grass. 
• Don't mow wet grass, as it can lead to uneven cuts and damage to the lawn.
• Do alternate your mowing pattern each time to promote upright growth and reduce soil compaction.
• Don't throw away grass clippings unnecessarily, as they contribute to the natural nutrient cycle of the lawn.

10. Learn how to identify weeds.

Left untreated, weeds can become a nuisance on any lawn. You can apply pre-emergent herbicides, such as crabgrass preventers, to stop weed seeds from germinating. 

Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of weed invasion and hand-pull or spot-treat them as necessary. For example, keep a look out for broadleaf weeds. These weeds are easy to spot because they don't look like grass blades. Instead, they have flowers and two leaves.

11. Recognize and react to signs of trouble. 

Paying attention to any signs of stress or damage can help you prevent serious problems before they take hold. Discoloration such as yellow or brown patches can be a sign of common lawn pests or diseases.

If you suspect an issue, you may want to get a professional’s opinion and then evaluate your options for treatment. 

Related: 11 ways summer weather can damage your home and yard.

Hire a lawn care service on Thumbtack.

It's possible to achieve the beautiful lawn you desire. An experienced lawn care professional can help get you started on the right path. Download the Thumbtack app to hire a professional lawn service near you today. 

Related: How much do lawn services cost?

A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.