The Secret of Soft Grass
Nothing says “summer” like the feel of bare feet on grass.
Whether it’s in a park or your own front yard, the sensual feeling of that cool, spongy, green carpet against our skin is often just what we need to lift our spirits and reconnect to the earth. It helps us to clear our mind and can transport us back to a simpler time in our lives before the demands of adulthood confined our feet to dress shoes. Walking barefoot in grass has been known to improve balance, develop foot muscles, decrease anxiety and depression and, some say, it’s even a cure for insomnia.
Remember, summer will be gone before you know it so go ahead, kick your shoes to the side and dig your toes into that soft green carpet before it’s too late. You’ll be glad you did!
Tips for Maintaining Soft Grass
- Mowing – By never removing more than 1/3 of the total leaf blade height at one time you will not put your lawn into stress. During the summer season, try a mowing height of 3 to 3.5 inches. This will provide more insulation from summer heat and reduce water loss from your soil. Also, maintain sharp mower blades to keep the leaf tips softer.
- Watering – Grass requires at least 1 inch of water a week to survive the stresses of summer. Deep and infrequent watering will encourage deeper roots and better development of the root system. Proper watering will also help to prevent browning of the leaves which become stiff and scratchy.
- Seed – A thicker lawn is a softer lawn and seeding is key to achieving this thickness. Grass seeds have varying characteristics such as color, texture and disease resistance so be sure to purchase the mixture(s) which contain the types of seed needed to address the specific needs of your lawn.
- Lawn Care – Soft, green grass requires the right growing environment, free from scratchy weeds, crabgrass and hard compacted soil. Healthy turf comes from an ongoing lawn care regimen – to fight insects and diseases, and to provide the best soil conditions so the grass plants can grow healthy and strong.
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