Know Your Roots: Learning About And Caring For Your Grass

Grass is an extraordinary plant, the unsung hero of backyards everywhere. It helps clean the air; cool the ground, reduce erosion, and provide one of the softest outdoor play surfaces – even through all the use and abuse. With proper care and feeding, grass offers many benefits to homeowners and the environment.

Why is grass so beneficial?

• Removes carbon and greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, and removes impurities, dirt and dust from the air
• Reduces runoff and erosion by stabilizing the soil with its deep roots
• Works with nature to create a thriving ecosystem
• Absorbs sound to reduce noise pollution
• Provides a soft, safe, resilient surface for family fun and relaxation
• Offers a low maintenance/low cost option for landscaping

How to care for grass?

1. To fill in bare spots, use a high quality seed appropriate for your region, like a Scotts® Turf Builder® EZ Seed mix. When starting a new lawn, choose a grass type that is best suited for your region and is drought tolerant.
2. When feeding your grass, use Scotts® Turf Builder®. This lawn food can be used in any season on any grass type, and delivers balanced nutrients for strong, thick grass.
3. When seeding or feeding, use Scotts® Deluxe EdgeGuard® Broadcast Spreader for larger areas to direct lawn food only where desired—on the lawn and off hard surfaces—and out of storm sewers! This spreader combines the accuracy of a drop spreader with the speed of a rotary spreader.
4. Remember these three simple tips: mow your grass at the highest setting, keep grass clippings on the lawn, and water only when needed.

What is the truth about grass and lawn food?

MYTH: Grass needs a lot of water to be vibrant.
FACT: Grass actually needs less water than trees and shrubs to thrive.
MYTH : Lawn food kills earthworms and other beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
FACT: Feeding your grass actually adds organic matter to the soil that earthworms and microorganisms use for food.
MYTH : All-purpose fertilizers are acceptable for use on my lawn.
FACT: All-purpose fertilizers, like a 10-10-10 blend, is not made for use on lawns and can add up to six times the phosphorus grass needs annually. Use a high quality lawn food specifically designed for grass. Look for phosphorus-free options if your grass is well established.
MYTH : Lawns do not need fertilizer.
FACT: Lawn food helps produce strong, deep-rooted grass, which, in turn, reduces run-off and erosion, enriches soil and promotes clean air, and absorbs water better than sparse, thinning grass.

Where does grass come from?

• Bermudagrass originates in Africa and was introduced to the United States in the 1700s. It is favored for its ability to withstand high volumes of traffic and use.
• Centipedgrass originates in China and was first used in the US in 1918. This grass is found amongst lawns in the Southeast.
• Kentucky Bluegrass was first used by early American settlers and derives its name from the bluish color seen in the tip of the grass in spring. It is also considered a Sun & Shade variety.
• St. Augustinegrass is native to the Gulf of Mexico, West Indies and West Africa, and has been used in the Southern US as turfgrass since the 1890s.
• Tall Fescue hails from Europe and was introduced to the US in the 1800s. It is known for its ability to withstand poor soils, drought and wet conditions.

Now that you know your lawn’s roots, care for them well and enjoy all they have to offer you and your family!

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