Why are strong roots important to my lawn?
Strong roots are vital to the health of your lawn. Good roots grow strong and deep. They bring more water and nutrients to the grass and make it more resilient against predators and stressors. Lawns that appear robust and green on top may actually have weak roots underneath. In this case, it is more susceptible to heat, droughts, pests, and all sorts of negative influences. The roots are the part of the grass you should give the most attention.
Here are the main benefits of having strong roots in your lawn.
Strong roots:
Absorb and retain more water.
Make the grass more resistant to drought.
Absorb and retain more nutrients.
Help more air to reach the soil.
Are more resilient against temperature extremes.
Help break up soil in compact or clay soil.
Help hold soil together in dry, sandy, or rocky soil.
Add organic material that helps bind soil particles together.
Leave behind beneficial organic material when they decompose.
How do I strengthen the roots in my lawn?
You can strengthen your grass roots in the following ways:
Mow correctly
If you cut the grass too much each time, the plant will dedicate more resources to growing the grass blades instead of the roots.
Water deeper
Watering your lawn less frequently and for longer sets forces the roots to grow deeper. When the soil near the surface dries, the roots dig deeper to the moist soil down below. You don’t want to take this approach if your soil is sandy. In that case, use extra organic matter and soil conditioners.
Use good fertilizer
Use extra slow release fertilizer with a wide variety of nutrients. Cheap fertilizer with too much nitrogen causes the grass blades to grow quickly at the expense of the roots. Fertilizer without slow release leaches below the root zone and never gets fully used by the roots.
Use organics and soil conditioners
Organic compost and soil conditioners provide the soil with microorganisms that feed the roots and improve the soil.
Keep your pH level from extremes
If your soil pH level is too high or too low, beneficial organisms in the soil can’t thrive and support the roots sufficiently. You can test your pH level by sending soil samples to your county extension office. To moderate the pH level in your lawn, use humate and compost.
Treat diseases immediately
Many diseases attack your grass roots in addition to the visible blades. If you suspect a disease, check your soil drainage and work to improve the condition of your soil with the steps listed above. A fungicide may also be necessary.
Put down gypsum in areas with excessive amounts of salt.
If you put salt on your walkways in the winter to remove snow, some of it may have gotten into the soil. This prevents water from reaching the roots. To counteract the salt, put down gypsum along the walkways and driveways.
Remember, the key to a healthy lawn is a healthy root system. Your grass make look green and beautiful at a glance, but if it doesn’t have strong and deep roots, it will not survive pests or adverse conditions. There is no quick and easy fix. It takes time to nurture the roots properly so they can sustain a lawn that stays lush throughout the years.