After a long winter, lawns certainly need some TLC, which includes fertilizing, watering, and eventually cutting. It can be tough to figure out when exactly to do the first cutting, however, as you want to keep the yard looking healthy while avoiding over-cutting. Trimming the grass too much or too soon can be harmful, as it makes the grass less capable of responding to environmental stresses like a sudden dip in temperature or a prolonged period of minimal precipitation.

Since grass growth is affected by many factors, including temperature and climate, experts suggest abiding by a general rule of grass height before making the first cut, rather than cutting grass on a certain calendar date. This means that the ideal first trim can change from one year to the next. A general recommendation is to wait until the grass, regardless of species, is at least two inches high. Waiting until this time will make the grass less susceptible to injury and even disease. The grass should never be mowed to less than a third of its original length during a mowing, as cutting it too short can damage the roots and interrupt the grass's normal growth.

While the time of the first cutting can fluctuate due to external factors, there are some steps you can take to make your lawn grow and be ready for the first cutting. Fertilizing the lawn is one essential to creating healthy grass, and it can be accomplished in several ways. In most of the United States, the time between February and April is a critical window for lawn growth. During this early spring period, lawns will need the most amount of nutrients, as the grass has been dormant for many months during the cold winter. Putting fertilizer on the lawn during this window of time ensures that the grasses will develop a strong root base, which in turn means that the grasses are more likely to grow faster and ultimately be healthier.

Precipitation is another factor in deciding when it's time to make the season's first cut. While you might be inclined to set the hose loose on the lawn, particularly in the first stretch of sunny days following a snow melt or prolonged rain, experts suggest waiting until the grass starts to wilt a bit before adding more moisture. While it's not a good idea to let the lawn's grasses dry out completely, watering too soon can have an equally negative outcome, as you'll be inviting the development of disease and root rot. By waiting to water the lawn until the grass slightly wilts, you'll also be fortifying the grass for the summer months, which inevitably bring longer periods of hot and moisture-less days.

When deciding when to mow the lawn for the first time in the new year, a final key deciding factor is a condition called "Spring Deadspot." This condition is a fungal disease, and it's characterized by tan patches that develop in circles. The patches appear in infected lawns following the winter, and it can take up to two years for them to show up. To prevent this troublesome condition, be sure to keep your lawn properly hydrated in the fall, and lay down a fertilizer that has a low nitrogen content in late fall.

Homeowners typically fall into two categories in regards to lawn care. One group takes pride in the maintenance and appearance of their lawn and garden, while the other would prefer to leave it alone. The reality is that all homeowners must worry about yard maintenance. This means investing in proper and effective lawncare equipment. Some people may think that going to an appliance store and picking out the most expensive mower, weed whacker and blower may to the trick. The reality is a bit more complicated that however. Homeowners must find the right equipment for their yard. Here is a guide to help find the best lawncare equipment available.

Push Mowers Push mowers are among the most common grass-cutting option in suburbia. During the summer, everyone can be seen on the weekends mowing the lawn with these lightweight and compact machines. These mowers are a great option for lawns with tight corners or small spaces. Unlike larger equipment, push mowers are able to maneuver with ease around these smaller space. Furthermore, their compact size makes them easy to store and move around the garage.

Stand-On or Walk Behind Mower For those homeowners with larger lawns, a stand-on or walk behind mower may be a better option than the standard push mower. Both stand-on and walk behind mowers typically come in much larger sizes, allowing them to cover much larger areas in a shorter amount of time. These mowers also tend to be self-propelled and move at much faster paces. However, not everything is better with these larger mowers. There are some downsides to consider. First and foremost, it will be very difficult or nearly impossible to cut around small corners. Storage should be taken into consideration as these mowers take up a significant amount of room. More maintenance will also be required given their larger size.

When it comes to deciding between a stand-on or walk behind mower, the differences are chiefly personal and subjective. Stand-on mowers have the advantage of being easier on the feet and back. However, walk behind mowers are easier to control and maneuver. If you are only thinking about saving time and mowing the lawn as quickly as possible, the stand-on mower may be the best option. Walk behind mowers may be best for those who are used to the conventional push mower but want something with more size.

Accessories Once the right mower has been chosen, additional accessories can be purchased. Similar to the mower, it is important to only purchase accessories that will make your lawncare maintenance easier or more efficient. A standard equipment rack to hold shovels, rakes and more is always a great addition. Grass catchers are also important to make sure the rest of the lawn doesn't get harmed. These can be purchased in different sizes depending on the size of the lawnmower.

In the end, lawncare maintenance doesn't have to be difficult. The most important thing to remember is to purchase lawncare equipment that will compliment the yard itself.