De Tour Village, MI Lawn Care Plans

Lawn care in De Tour Village, MI is a year-round commitment, but the results are always worth the effort. Our local climate, with its four distinct seasons, each brings its own challenges and opportunities for lawn care. Knowing when and how to mow, fertilize, seed, water, and aerate is crucial to maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn.

Mowing is crucial in maintaining a healthy lawn, as it enhances the lawn's density and reduces the competition from weeds. The optimal cutting height for most lawns in De Tour Village is between 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Mowing should be done regularly, typically once a week during growing season (spring, summer, and fall). Make sure your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can lead to a ragged brown appearance.

Fertilizing should be done at least twice a year, in the spring and the fall. The spring feeding jump-starts grass growth and helps it green up, while the fall feeding helps it recover from the summer heat and prepares it for winter. Using a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with a ratio of 4-1-2 of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is often recommended for lawns in our area.

Seeding is best done in the early fall, as the soil is still warm but the air is cooler, and there are fewer weeds to compete with. It’s also a great time to overseed existing lawns to ensure lush growth the following spring. Watering should be done early in the morning, between 6 to 10 a.m., when the sun is less intense, to minimize evaporation. The amount of water needed will depend on the soil type. For most lawns in De Tour Village, which typically have loamy soil, one inch of water per week, including rainfall, is usually sufficient.

Aerating and dethatching are great ways to maintain a healthy lawn. Aerating should be done in the spring or fall, using a lawn aerator to remove small plugs of soil from your lawn to relieve soil compaction and promote root growth. Dethatching, which is the process of removing the layer of dead grass and roots that builds up on a lawn, should be done in early spring or late fall. Both of these processes improve water, nutrient, and oxygen movement in the soil and help create conditions that favor beneficial microbes.

Lastly, taking a stroll through neighborhoods like the North Huron Street and Sims Street, or visiting the local parks like the De Tour State Forest Campground, you'll see how these practices result in beautiful and healthy lawns. Remember, a well-maintained lawn not only adds aesthetic value to your home but also contributes to a greener environment.