“This slices the soil and clay below ground level with basically zero damage to the grass on top,” Mawyer said. “Some years we use deep-tine aeration devices to provide a similar outcome. We overseed with a variety of grass species, usually fescue and rye. We typically have a blend of fescue, rye and Bermuda on the Lawn and we fertilize to promote root growth, top growth and a deep green color.”
The landscapers adhere to a strict nutrient management plan, sampling the soil providing only the nutrients that the samples show are lacking.
“There are laws in place to ensure only minimum amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous are applied to help protect local waterways and the [Chesapeake] Bay from excessive runoff,” Mawyer said. “We have always minimized the use of herbicides on the Lawn, allowing for a blend of other species to mix in with the grasses. We now have initiatives to support our designation as a Bee Grounds, so we are actively allowing more of the flowering species, such as clover and dandelion, to blend in.”
And once this is done, mowing and maintenance are required to keep the grass lush.
“We typically mow every seven to 10 days, based on weather, to maintain the grass height at 3.5 inches,” Mawyer said. “Slightly taller grass blades hold up better to foot traffic, compaction and the general wear and tear of an active space. It will also perform better in high heat and drought-like conditions, if left slightly taller.”
