How to Keep Your Commercial Turf Lush Year-Round
According to Retail Customer Experience, 95% of consumers claim a shop’s exterior appearance affects their decisions about where to shop.
An unappealing exterior, such as unkempt grass and poorly maintained landscaping, can drive potential customers away. Investing in a well-maintained commercial turf can improve your property’s curb appeal, whether it’s a retail store, office building, or hotel. It can help your business create a positive impression and attract customers.
However, maintaining your turf in good condition can be difficult due to constant foot traffic and changing weather. Here are easy-to-implement year-round turf care tips.
Choose the Right Turf Grass
Choosing the right grass for your local climate can ensure your turf withstands varying weather conditions, grows, and maintains its lush appearance throughout the year. When choosing the grass, also consider the following:
- Foot traffic
- Maintenance requirements
- Soil type
- Water availability
- Sunlight exposure
- Aesthetic preferences
For a business owner, comparing different types of turf can be overwhelming. You are likely to focus on the cost of the grass, which can be misleading. Besides, even after getting the turf grass, installing it on your commercial lawn can be tough.
Consulting a commercial landscaping and lawn care company can help you overcome this struggle. You will get professional recommendations on the right turf grass to get. The experts can also educate you on installing and maintaining the turf.
Irrigate Properly
Overwatering your commercial turf can lead to:
- Shallow root systems
- Soil compaction
- Attraction of pests and development of fungal diseases
- Water-soaked blisters or spots
It also wastes water and increases the risk of fertilizer and pesticide washing away. Besides, too much watering can create the need to mow the lawn more frequently.
Conversely, underwatering can cause turf to dry out, leading to patches and stress. The secret is to water deeply but less frequently. This encourages the development of strong, deep roots that can better withstand varying weather conditions.
Adjust your irrigation schedule depending on the seasonal changes. Irrigate the turf more during the hot summer to counter evaporation and heat stress. Reduce the frequency and amount of watering during cooler months to prevent waterlogging and root diseases.
Fertilize Regularly
For turf grass to grow vigorously, develop strong roots, and resist stress from root traffic, it needs key nutrients, including:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
Fertilizing your turf replenishes these essential nutrients that tend to deplete over time. According to Real Simple, you should fertilize commercial turf two to three times every season. You may, however, need to adjust your fertilization schedule depending on your turf grass variety and local climate conditions.
Fertilize your lawn often if you live in an area with warm seasons. Limit fertilization frequency for locations with cool weather.
Consider consulting lawn care and landscaping specialists to choose the right fertilizer. After getting the fertilizer, read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid under or over-fertilizing. Seek recommendations from the experts on seasonal turf management.
Aerate Your Turf
Soil compaction is a common issue affecting commercial turfs. It limits the flow of air, water, and nutrients to the roots. When the soil becomes too compacted, grass struggles to grow, leading to weak, patchy turf that lacks vitality.
Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil from the ground. The plan is to create spaces for air, water, and essential nutrients to reach deeper into the soil. It helps loosen compacted soil, allowing roots to grow more deeply, leading to healthier grass.
It promotes the turf’s ability to absorb water and fertilizers, maximizing the effectiveness of your irrigation and nutrient management efforts. Aerate your commercial turf during the growing season, usually in the spring or fall.
Implement Weed Control
Invasive plants can take over your lawn, choking the grass and ruining its uniform look. They can make your turf vulnerable to disease and damage. Effective weed control involves combining preventive and reactive strategies.
Apply pre-emergent herbicides in the early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating. For those stubborn weed that do manage to break through, apply post-emergent herbicides. On top of the chemical treatments, commercial turf maintenance requires:
- Regular mowing
- Proper irrigation
- Balanced fertilization
A dense, well-maintained lawn can help crowd out the weeds. It limits the space and resources they need to grow and thrive. Mowing assists in removing weed seed heads before they mature and spread.
Mow Smartly
Mowing the grass too short weakens the root systems and makes the turf vulnerable to pests, diseases, and drought conditions. Also, mowing with dull blades tears the grass rather than cutting it. It leads to uneven edges that can cause stress to the plant.
Reach out to professionals to get turf upkeep tips to avoid these mistakes. Find the recommended height for mowing your lawn. Consider outsourcing the mowing work to a professional company.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Common turf pests like grubs, ants, and sod webworms target the roots of your grass. They weaken the plants and lead to thinning areas and brown patches. Inspect your turf for signs of pest damage or disease.
Early detection can help you address the issues before they worsen. Consider applying pesticides if you notice signs of infestations. However, be careful about the pesticides you use, as some might affect the environment.
Explore organic pest and disease control methods to minimize reliance on chemicals. Consult a professional commercial lawn care company on these methods.
Implement Commercial Turf Maintenance Tips to Improve Curb Appeal
Maintaining a lush commercial turf throughout the year requires attention to detail and consistent care. Doing this work yourself can be time-consuming and overwhelming. You might struggle to choose the right turf grass, irrigation method, and fertilizers.
Consider seeking professional help to overcome these challenges. At Grounds Control USA, we specialize in creating and maintaining healthy, lush commercial turf that reflects your commitment to excellence.
With years of experience and a deep understanding of turf maintenance, we’re here to help you achieve the perfect lawn. Contact us today to learn how we can keep your commercial turf green and vibrant all year long.