Donovan, IL Lawn Care Plans

Lawn care in Donovan, Illinois, like in many midwestern towns, is an essential part of homeownership. Here, our changing seasons dictate the type of lawn care necessary throughout the year. In spring, as our beautiful local parks such as Donovan Park begin to bloom, it's time to start preparing your lawn for the growing season.

Start with a thorough cleanup of the lawn, removing any leaves or debris. Then, it's time to aerate your lawn. Aeration, which can be done with a simple garden fork, helps to break up compacted soil and allows water and nutrients to penetrate to the grass roots. This is particularly important in areas of Donovan like the Pleasant Grove neighborhood, where the soil tends to be denser.

After aeration, it's time to fertilize. The best time to fertilize is in the late spring when the grass starts growing actively. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs throughout the growing season. Pay attention to your lawn's specific needs: if your grass is looking a bit sparse, consider over-seeding to encourage new growth.

Regular mowing is also essential for a healthy lawn. However, be careful not to cut your grass too short, as this can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. A general rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.

Watering your lawn is critical, especially during the dry summer months. However, remember that Donovan has occasional water restrictions. It's always best to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than a little bit every day. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the grass more drought-resistant.

Lastly, don't forget about dethatching. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that can build up on the surface of the soil. If left unchecked, it can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the grass roots. Dethatching can be done in the fall, using a dethatching rake or a specialized dethatching machine.

By following these tips, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn year-round, enhancing not only your home's curb appeal but also contributing to the overall beauty of our charming town.