How to Achieve Deep Root Growth

When you think about your lawn, the first thing that likely pops into your mind is an image of healthy, green blades of grass. It's not too often that we think about what is going on beneath the surface to make those blades of grass thick, green and healthy. The truth is, the root system of our grass plays a significant role in the overall health of our lawns. Read on to learn more about what is happening in your soil from the turf pros at Nutri-Lawn Burlington Irrigation.

Deep Root Growth vs. Shallow Root Growth

One of the secrets to having a beautiful, healthy lawn is establishing deep root growth. When it comes to deep root growth versus shallow root growth, it's exactly how it sounds. The root systems of grass that grow deeper into the ground creates strong and healthy blades above ground. In comparison, the root systems of grass that are shallow allow the plant to become more susceptible to damage, disease and even death.

Mowing

One way to stimulate deep root growth is to adjust the height at which you mow your lawn. Most homeowners cut their lawns shorter than they should and, believe it or not, this inhibits the growth of the lawn's root systems. As a rule of thumb, never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade when mowing. Oftentimes, people misunderstand mowing higher to mean waiting longer to cut their grass. This is not the solution. What you want to do in order to stimulate deep root growth and maintain a strong, healthy lawn is cut it at a higher level each time you mow it.

Soil Condition

When it comes to deep root growth, the condition of your soil also plays a contributing role. Heavy clay soils will retain water (which is good), but they will also compact easily, reducing important air pockets that supply grass with the oxygen it needs to thrive. Incorporating organic matter like compost into your soil will not only add rich nutrients that will aid in root growth, but it will also help loosen the soil and create room for valuable air pockets.

Watering

If you water your lawn frequently you probably just assume that it must be healthy. After all, you're giving it the love and attention it needs by keeping it ultra-hydrated. Unfortunately, it often comes as a surprise when homeowners are told that their frequent watering routine may actually be hurting the health of their lawn.

This is because frequent watering helps create shallow root systems. The key when it comes to watering your lawn is to water deeper, not more often. This means that you should water more infrequently but allow the moisture to penetrate deeper into the soil when you do water it. The water should penetrate down into the soil about four to six inches below the surface. When moisture sinks deep down to this level, it stimulates deep root growth and also allows the roots to stay moist for longer periods of time (which is why you can hold off on watering your lawn everyday).

Inground Irrigation Systems

If you want to promote deep root growth in your lawn, an inground irrigation system can make a world of difference. With programmable settings and weather sensor technology, you can take the hassle and guesswork out of watering your lawn. Having a watering schedule that takes into consideration the existing amount of precipitation your lawn has received from Mother Nature, ensures that your lawn is getting the right amount of water it needs to stimulate deep and healthy roots. To learn more about how an inground irrigation system can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy-looking lawn, contact Nutri-Lawn Burlington today!