Having a green and thick lawn is a dream for many homeowners. It not only adds beauty to your backyard but also creates a welcoming environment for you and your family. If you want to transform your lawn into a lush green oasis, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw has some inspirational tips for you.
Matt Blashaw, the host of HGTV’s popular show “Yard Crashers,” believes that a local lawn is the best lawn. He notes that different regions have different type of soil and grass, and it’s important to choose the right type that will thrive in your area. By selecting the appropriate grass species, you can ensure that your lawn will have the best chance to grow green and thick.
Maintaining a green lawn goes beyond just regular mowing. Blashaw recommends spiking or aerating the lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. This helps the grassroots to develop a strong and healthy foundation, resulting in a greener and thicker lawn.
Another important aspect of lawn care is fertilizing. Blashaw explains that fertilizing not only provides essential nutrients but also helps to control weeds and insects. However, he advises homeowners to be cautious with the type of fertilizer they use. Choosing organic or slow-release fertilizers are better options as they provide a gradual release of nutrients, promoting long-term health for your lawn.
Blashaw also emphasizes the significance of removing thatch from the lawn. Thatch is a layer of dead and living grass stems, roots, and debris that can build up at the base of the grass blades. This layer prevents proper airflow, water absorption, and nutrient penetration. By raking or using a specialized thatch rake, you can remove this layer and help your lawn to breathe and grow healthier.
Lastly, Blashaw mentions the importance of proper water management. Watering deeply and infrequently is key to developing strong root systems. He advises homeowners to water their lawns early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation. By following these watering practices, your lawn will be able to withstand drought and maintain its vibrant green color.
No matter the size or the condition of your lawn, taking these tips from HGTV’s Matt Blashaw will help you achieve a greener and thicker lawn. With a little bit of time and effort, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and inviting oasis that you can enjoy for years to come.
Matt Blashaw’s top tips on how to make a lawn green and thick
- 1. Aerating your lawn:
- 2. Fertilizing regularly:
- 3. Mowing properly:
- 4. Dealing with insects:
- 5. Maintaining a good watering schedule:
Aerating your lawn allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, promoting healthy root growth. Matt Blashaw notes that this is especially important if your lawn is compacted or has a thick thatch layer.
Fertilizing your lawn regularly can provide the necessary nutrients for it to grow thick and green. Blashaw recommends using a slow-release fertilizer to ensure a gradual and consistent feeding throughout the growing season.
When it comes to mowing, Blashaw suggests using the appropriate type of mower for your specific lawn. He advises homeowners to avoid cutting the grass too short, as it can weaken the plants and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases.
If you notice insects damaging your lawn, Blashaw advises taking action promptly. He recommends using the appropriate insecticide or contacting a local lawn care professional for assistance.
Proper watering is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. Blashaw suggests watering deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and frequently. This allows the water to penetrate deeper into the soil, encouraging the roots to grow deeper as well.
By following these tips from HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, homeowners can improve the overall health and appearance of their lawns. Whether it’s aerating, fertilizing, mowing properly, dealing with insects, or watering appropriately, these practices can help achieve a greener and thicker lawn that will make any backyard look great. So, take the advice from this host, and get ready to enjoy a lush lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood!
1 Do your research
Before you start working on making your lawn green and thick, it’s important to do some research to understand the specific needs and conditions of your lawn.
Take notes on the current state of your lawn and make observations about the soil, sunlight exposure, and any existing issues such as weeds or bare patches. This will help you determine the best course of action for achieving a greener and thicker lawn.
HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, host of Yard Crashers, suggests that one important step is to aerate your lawn. “Aerating your lawn allows water, oxygen, and is what helps the roots get to the nutrients,” he notes.
Furthermore, Blashaw recommends fertilizing your lawn. Different types of grass have different fertilizing needs, so it’s important to choose the right type of fertilizer for your lawn. The local garden center or a professional can provide you with valuable information on the best fertilizer for your specific type of grass.
Once you have done your research and taken the necessary notes, you can then plan out the steps you need to take to make your lawn greener and thicker. This may include activities such as mowing your lawn at the proper height, raking away excess thatch, and using a lawn aerator to remove plugs of compacted soil.
“These spikes are most commonly found on aged aerators and are pushed into the ground, allowing oxygen to reach the roots of the grass,” Blashaw explains.
Remember that lawn improvement takes time and patience. “It’s not an overnight process,” Blashaw says. “But with a little bit of time and some good maintenance, you can have a really nice, green lawn. No matter what type of grass you have.”
2 Pick up lawn trimmings
If you want to have a green and thick lawn, it’s important to pick up lawn trimmings regularly. When you mow your lawn, some of the clippings may be left behind. While it may not seem like it matters, these trimmings can actually have a negative impact on the health of your lawn.
According to Matt Blashaw, the host of HGTV’s “Yard Crashers,” leaving lawn trimmings on the ground can prevent sunlight from reaching the grass, which can inhibit its growth. Additionally, the trimmings can create a thatch layer that attracts insects and diseases.
By simply taking a few minutes to pick up the lawn trimmings after mowing, you can prevent these issues and keep your lawn looking green and healthy. You can use a rake or a bagging attachment on your mower to collect the trimmings and dispose of them properly.
Blashaw notes that homeowners should check with their local waste management or recycling center to determine the best way to dispose of lawn trimmings in accordance with their community’s policy. Some areas may allow you to compost the trimmings, while others may require them to be bagged and thrown away.
Overall, picking up lawn trimmings is a simple task that can make a big difference in the appearance and health of your lawn. By removing the clippings, you allow your grass to receive the nutrients, sunlight, and water it needs to thrive. So, don’t forget to clean up after mowing to keep your lawn looking its best!
3 Aerate compacted soil
One key step in achieving a green and thick lawn is to ensure that the soil is properly aerated. Compacted soil can prevent water, nutrients, and air from reaching the root system of your lawn, leading to weak and sparse grass.
According to HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, aerating the soil is essential for any backyard lawn improvement project. “When the soil is compacted, grass roots have a harder time growing and accessing the necessary nutrients,” he says.
So, how do you aerate your lawn? There are several methods you can use:
- Aeration shoes or sandals: These are spiked shoes that you wear while walking around your lawn. The spikes create small holes in the soil as you walk, allowing air and water to penetrate.
- Aeration machines: These are machines specifically designed for aerating lawns. They use rotating spikes or discs to penetrate the soil and create holes.
- Handheld aerators: These are smaller versions of aeration machines that you can operate by hand. They are suitable for smaller lawns or areas that are difficult to reach with larger equipment.
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to follow these tips when aerating your lawn:
- Choose the right time: The best time to aerate your lawn is during the growing season, when the grass is actively growing and can recover quickly from the aeration process. For most lawns, this is in the spring or fall.
- Water the lawn: Before aerating, it’s a good idea to water your lawn thoroughly. This will soften the soil, making it easier for the aerating spikes or blades to penetrate.
- Aerate in multiple directions: To ensure proper aeration, go over your lawn in multiple directions. This will help to cover the entire area and ensure that the soil is adequately aerated.
- Leave the soil plugs on the lawn: When aerating, the spikes or blades will remove small plugs of soil. Instead of removing these plugs, leave them on the lawn. They will break down over time and help to improve the soil structure.
Aerating your lawn once or twice a year can do wonders for its health and appearance. It will help to promote deeper root growth, improve the absorption of water and nutrients, and allow your lawn to withstand drought and pests better.
Remember, every lawn is different, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a local lawn care professional or contact your local extension office for more information on the best aerating practices for your specific lawn type.
4 Let the sunshine in
If you want a greener and thicker lawn, one of the most important things you can do is to make sure it gets enough sunlight. According to HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, a host on the popular home improvement show, homeowners often underestimate the importance of sunlight for their lawns.
“No matter what type of lawn you have, whether it’s aged or freshly seeded, sunlight is essential for its health and vibrancy,” says Blashaw. He notes that lawns that receive ample sunlight are generally greener and thicker compared to those that are shaded for a significant portion of the day.
If you have trees or other structures in your backyard that cast shadows on your lawn, consider trimming them or removing them altogether to allow more sunlight to reach the grass. You can also strategically place lawn furniture or other outdoor accessories to help create pockets of shade while still allowing light to filter through.
Blashaw advises homeowners to pay attention to the local climate and consider the amount of sunlight their lawn will receive throughout the day. Some plants and grasses thrive in full sun, while others prefer more shade. By selecting the right type of grass for your yard and providing it with adequate sunlight, you can help ensure a lush and green lawn.
In addition to sunlight, proper lawn care practices such as regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing can also help maintain a healthy and green lawn. Blashaw recommends aerating the lawn to allow roots to breathe and preventing thatch buildup, which can suffocate the grass. He also suggests using lawn spikes or other tools to break up compacted soil and promote water absorption.
Finally, Blashaw notes that insects can also affect the health of your lawn. It’s important to take measures to prevent insect infestations, as they can cause significant damage to the grass. Consult with your local garden center or lawn care professional to get information on the best insect control methods for your area.
To sum it up, if you want a green and thick lawn, let the sunshine in. Make sure your lawn gets enough sunlight by trimming trees or structures that create shadows, selecting the right type of grass for your yard, and following proper lawn care practices. With a little effort and attention, you can have a beautiful and vibrant lawn that will be the envy of your neighbors.
5 Get rid of pests
If you want to have a green and thick lawn, it’s important to get rid of pests that can harm your grass. Matt Blashaw, host of HGTV’s “Yard Crashers,” recommends taking preventative measures to keep your lawn healthy and pest-free.
1. Identify the pests
Before you can effectively eliminate pests from your lawn, you need to first identify what type of pests you’re dealing with. Common lawn pests include grubs, worms, and insects like chinch bugs and armyworms. Knowing which pests are present will help you choose the most appropriate treatment.
2. Use organic pest control methods
When it comes to pest control, many people turn to chemical pesticides. However, there are plenty of organic alternatives that are safer for the environment and for your family. These can include using natural predators, such as ladybugs and nematodes, or using homemade sprays made from ingredients like garlic, essential oils, or soap.
3. Maintain proper lawn care practices
Maintaining a healthy lawn is key to preventing pest infestations. Make sure you’re regularly mowing your lawn to the correct height, as longer grass can attract pests and create hiding spots for them. Additionally, watering your lawn deeply and infrequently promotes strong root growth, making it more resistant to pests.
4. Remove thatch and aerate your lawn
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates on the surface of your lawn. Removing thatch through verticutting or power raking will help improve airflow to the soil, preventing pests from finding a comfortable habitat. Aerating your lawn will also create channels for water and nutrients, making it harder for pests to survive.
5. Follow a fertilizing schedule
Proper fertilization is essential for a healthy lawn. Matt Blashaw notes that homeowners should follow the fertilizing schedule recommended for their specific type of grass. Applying fertilizer at the right time and in the right amounts will give your lawn the necessary nutrients to grow thick and lush, making it less susceptible to pests.
By following these tips and implementing preventive measures, you can successfully get rid of pests and maintain a green and healthy lawn.