Bernard, ME Lawn Care Plans

Taking care of your lawn in Bernard, ME, can be a rewarding experience when you see the lush, green results. Here on Mount Desert Island, we have a unique climate that requires specific care to keep our lawns thriving. From Bass Harbor to the heart of Bernard, each neighborhood can benefit from these lawn care tips and tricks.

Mowing is one of the most frequent lawn care tasks, and it's essential to do it correctly. During the active growing season, usually from late spring to early fall, most lawns should be mowed once a week. The height you cut your grass can greatly impact its health - a general rule is to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This helps the grass retain moisture and resist pests and diseases.

Fertilizing is another crucial part of lawn care. In Bernard, the best time to fertilize your lawn is in the early spring when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit, usually coinciding with the blooming of the first lilacs. A second round of fertilization should happen in late fall to prepare the lawn for winter. Seeding should also be done in the fall, allowing the grass seeds to germinate before winter.

Watering your lawn properly is crucial. With our coastal climate, Bernard homeowners should pay close attention to rainfall and adjust watering accordingly. As a rule of thumb, lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or watering. Watering in the early morning hours is best to prevent evaporation.

Lastly, aerating and dethatching can greatly improve the health of your lawn. Aeration involves perforating the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots, which helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. Dethatching removes excess thatch, a layer of living and dead organic matter that occurs between the green vegetation and the soil surface. This process can be done in the early spring or fall.

So whether you're enjoying a picnic in Back Beach Park or simply admiring your yard from your porch, remember that a little care can go a long way in maintaining the beauty of your Bernard lawn. Happy gardening!