Lawn Care Persona

Announcer: How you approach lawn maintenance determines your lawn care persona today on Southern Gardening. Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University extension service.

Dr. Gary Bachman: Driving around a neighborhood, it's pretty easy to see a homeowner's lawn care persona. But do you know yours? Do you try to save the day with every little problem that pops up in your lawn? Then you're probably high maintenance, lawn that is. You fertilize multiple times a season, even adding maybe a little more than recommended because you want that green lawn.

Dr. Gary Bachman: You know a healthy lawn is a weed free lawn and boy is your lawn healthy. You water only when the lawn needs it, but you probably have the latest in irrigation timers to precisely meet your lawns needs. You soil test, keep the mower tuned and the blades sharp.

Or you might take the approach that with a little balance, the force will take care of your lawn, for a healthy warm season grass, you fertilize in the summer when the turf is actively growing. While you may accept some weeds, you do want to maintain a mostly weed free lawn. Pre-emerged herbicide in the spring will help keep that balance. You'll water enough during dry spells to keep the turf alive. This provides balance with your checkbook.

Or you might take the Zen of lawn care approach. You mow and don't collect the clippings to recycle the nutrients and you haven't met a weed that you don't like because they're green and besides the have pretty flowers. You never water the lawn and allow it to go dormant because everything has to provide for itself. Each year your lawn becomes a little smaller as you expand flower beds for their beauty.

Knowing your lawn care persona will make your turf healthier and you happier this year. I'm horticulture as Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.

Announcer: Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University extension service.