9 Things REGULAR People DON'T Know About Grass

Summary

In this informative video, Brian from Turpicanic I reveals nine lesser-known lawn care facts, including the root shedding process, the importance of not cutting grass too short, and the benefits of mowing frequently for a denser turf. He emphasizes soil health over grass fertilization, advises against overwatering, and discusses the natural life cycle of annual grasses. Brian also highlights the significance of choosing the right grass type for your region and maintaining it properly for a lush, healthy lawn with minimal effort.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Grass roots grow primarily in spring and early fall, with root shedding occurring in mid to late summer and winter, contributing to carbon sequestration.
• 🌿 Lawn care enthusiasts can promote root mass development during natural root growth periods to enhance lawn health.
• 🍂 Each grass plant consists of multiple leaves, with new leaves at the center and older leaves dying off, which can affect the lawn's appearance if cut too short.
• 🔪 Cutting grass too low and infrequently can result in a lawn that appears brown or dingy due to the exposure of dead leaf material.
• 🛠 Regular mowing promotes a denser turf, which helps defend against weeds and contributes to a healthier lawn.
• 💧 Watering lawns deeply but infrequently encourages deeper root growth and reduces disease pressure due to less humidity in the leaf canopy.
• 🌳 Focusing on soil health rather than just fertilizing the grass is key to a thriving lawn, as most fertilizers do not benefit the soil.
• 🌧 Overwatering a troubled spot in the lawn does not guarantee recovery; understanding the grass type and its natural life cycle is crucial.
• 🌳 Identifying and planting the correct grass type for your region and climate can lead to a healthier, lower-maintenance lawn.
• ✂️ Mowing at the highest setting on the lawnmower and doing so regularly, without cutting too short, promotes a healthier and better-looking lawn.
• 🌿 Not all grass types have the ability to spread laterally or self-repair, so overseeding may be necessary to prevent weed invasion in damaged areas.

Q & A

What is the primary time of year when grass roots grow the most?

Grass roots primarily grow during the Spring and the early parts of Fall, with some warm season grass varieties putting on roots towards the end of Spring.

What is the term used to describe the process of grass shedding its roots?

The process of grass shedding its roots is referred to as 'root shedding'.

How does the shedding of grass roots relate to carbon sequestration?

When grass sheds its roots, the dead roots stay underground and become a physical representation of carbon sequestration, capturing carbon dioxide and depositing it in the soil.

Why might a lawn look brown or dingy after being cut very short?

A lawn may look brown or dingy after being cut very short because it exposes the layer of dead leaves that have fallen and are decomposing on the ground, which is the result of the grass's natural cycle.

What is the recommended mowing frequency to promote a denser turf?

Mowing the grass more often, such as every two to three days, can promote a denser turf and make it easier for the grass to defend itself against weeds.

Why is it better to focus on soil health rather than just fertilizing the grass?

Focusing on soil health is better because most fertilizers only promote grass growth without improving the soil. A healthy soil ecosystem supports better plant growth overall.

How often should a lawn be watered for optimal health?

The healthiest lawns are watered regularly but not too frequently, such as once a week in the spring and fall, to encourage deeper root growth and reduce disease pressure.

What is the significance of not watering a trouble spot in the lawn excessively?

Excessive watering does not guarantee that the grass in a trouble spot will recover, especially if it is an annual grass, which has a natural life cycle that does not respond as well to water and fertilizer.

Why might a lawn struggle even with consistent care if the grass type is not suitable for the region?

A lawn will struggle if the grass type is not suitable for the region's climate or conditions, as not all grass types grow well everywhere, and identifying and reseeding with the correct grass type can significantly improve the lawn's health with less effort.

What is the recommended lawnmower setting for most grass types to maintain health and appearance?

For most grass types, it is recommended to set the lawnmower to the highest setting possible and mow regularly without cutting the grass super short, as this promotes a healthier and better-looking lawn.

Why is overseeding important in areas where the grass does not naturally spread or self-repair?

Overseeding is important in areas where the grass does not naturally spread because without it, weed seeds can take over the bare spots, leading to an unhealthy and less attractive lawn.