Get matched with top lawn fertilization and treatment specialists in Cherokee, IA

The quickest way to kill weeds is to burn them, pour boiling water on them, or pull them out by hand. Each of these methods works instantaneously. Beyond that, using vinegar for grass works in a couple of hours, as do herbicides you can buy at the store. The slowest way to kill weeds is to starve them of nutrients and sunlight with mulch or fabric covers.

Mowing is one of the most important ways to maintain your lawn because it encourages grass to grow horizontally, creating a fuller, more uniform yard. On top of mowing your lawn, you’ll want to routinely fertilize your lawn, water it regularly, and take care of pests the moment they arise. 

Before you put down grass seed, you should cultivate your soil or add two inches of topsoil. You should also put down fertilizer at the same time as your seed to prompt healthy growth. Be sure to water after you put down grass seed, especially for the first two weeks.

The best type of fertilizer depends on the type of grass and your desired end result. Generally speaking, slow-release fertilizers are best for grass, as they gradually release nutrients into your soil instead of all at once, which meets the needs of many grass types. However, the tradeoff is that slow-release fertilizers contain phosphorus, which negatively impacts local water quality. Also, some grasses require different formulations to meet the demands of the soil. Test your soil to see how acidic or alkaline it is before choosing a fertilizer.