Maintaining a healthy lawn is the secret to a beautiful yard, but the process can be daunting. At first glance, it may seem like there are tons of products and chemicals available on the market to help keep your lawn green and lush throughout the year. However, most products will only provide temporary results at best; some actually do more harm than good. In this article, we will give five tips for a healthy lawn:

1. Aeration for oxygenating soil
A great way to ensure your lawn stays healthy is by aerating it to allow for airflow through the soil. Airflow into the root zone helps remove excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the soil, which stops plant roots from browning. By allowing airflow, you will also prevent the build-up of excessive amounts of ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3), and phosphorus (PO4), which can cause leaf burn, yellowing leaves, and chlorosis, respectively. Use an aerator to evenly distribute the air in all areas of your yard, especially if you have a large backyard.

2. Water in the morning
The one thing you should always remember when watering your lawn is to do so in the early morning. This gives the water all day to evaporate, drying the grass and making it less likely for disease-causing fungus to grow and infect your lawn. For small, indoor yards, you can also add a humidifier to increase the humidity level in the air, so moisture doesn’t need to travel as far to reach the plants.

3. Fertilize and mulch for growth
It is generally recommended to fertilize your lawn with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season; using additional mulched compost on top of your existing lawn will do wonders for keeping your lawn greener and thicker. Mulch can also help control weeds by preventing them from spreading close to your lawn and helping them decompose faster. If you have a lot of weeds, try using mulch or other natural products instead of harsh chemical weed-killers to keep your lawn healthy overall.

4. Mow your grass high
Not mowing your grass high enough can result in uneven growth and leave your lawn exposed to sunburns. Cutting your grass even just a few inches higher will allow light to penetrate further down into your lawn and create healthier conditions below the surface. You should also avoid overcutting by only mowing once per week.

5. Hire professional lawn care services
If yard work is too overwhelming or you just can’t fit the maintenance time into your schedule, hiring someone to mow your grass regularly should be your next step toward maintaining a healthy lawn. There is a very long list of benefits you receive when hiring professionals to take care of your lawn, such as:

More precise mowing techniques
Avoid lawn burning caused by frequent mowing
Cleaner blades
Better drainage and quality of cut
Fewer maintenance costs

Whether you have a small front yard or a big backyard, these five easy steps will go a long way in creating a beautiful and healthy lawn. These tips will keep your lawn healthy and improve its appearance, promote growth, and enhance its overall beauty.