Garden City, NY Lawn Care Plans

Caring for your lawn in Garden City, NY, involves more than just mowing and watering. It's a year-round commitment that ensures your grass is healthy, lush, and the envy of your neighbors in places like the Steward Manor or the Eastern section. Here are some tips to help you maintain your lawn in our specific climate and soil type.

Mowing is the most frequent task and the one that most homeowners associate with lawn care. In Garden City, the optimal mowing height is about 2.5 to 3 inches during the growing season. This height helps to shade the soil, which in turn reduces water evaporation and helps to prevent weed seed germination. You should also ensure that your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing grass blades and causing damage. For our area, the best time to start mowing is in mid-April when the grass begins to grow actively.

Fertilizing is another critical aspect of lawn care. In our region, it's best to fertilize in the late fall, around mid-October to early November. This application helps the grass roots to grow deeper and prepare for the dormant winter season. We recommend using a slow-release granular fertilizer with a high percentage of nitrogen for our specific soil type.

Watering appropriately is also essential. In Garden City, where we can have hot summers and occasional water restrictions, it's crucial to water deeply and infrequently. This method encourages the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, making them more drought-tolerant. Early morning is the best time to water to minimize evaporation.

Finally, aerating and dethatching your lawn can significantly benefit its health. Aeration helps to loosen compacted soil and allows water, nutrients, and air to reach the grass roots more efficiently. Dethatching removes the layer of dead grass and organic matter that can build up on your lawn over time, blocking water and nutrients from reaching the soil. In our area, the best time to aerate and dethatch is in the early fall, ideally around late September.

So whether you're spending a day at the Garden City Country Club or enjoying an afternoon at Eisenhower Park, remember that a little attention to your lawn now can result in a beautiful, lush green space you can be proud of. Happy gardening!