Professional Lawn Care in Somerset County

Somerset County, located in New Jersey, presents a unique set of conditions for lawn care. Understanding the local climate and selecting the right grass types are crucial for maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn.

Understanding Somerset County’s Climate

Somerset County experiences a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winters are cold and snowy, averaging in the low 30s Fahrenheit. The most pleasant months are September, June, and August. This climate impacts the type of lawn care required throughout the year.

Spring Lawn Care

Spring is a crucial time for lawn maintenance. After the last frost, it’s important to:

• Clean up debris to allow oxygen to reach the grass.
• Apply organic fertilizer post-frost, usually around mid-March, to help the grass recover from winter.
• Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent burning the grass​.

Summer Lawn Care

During summer, maintaining lawn health involves:

• Removing brown plant stalks from spring bulbs and trimming finished flowers.
• Weeding and mulching to prevent weed growth and conserve water.
• Monitoring for destructive bugs like grubworms.
• Watering about 1 inch per week, preferably in the early morning or late evening​.

Fall and Winter Lawn Care

As colder months approach, preparation includes:

• Cleaning up and fertilizing the lawn for winter nourishment.
• Seeding in the fall, after the summer heat but before the cold sets in.
• Mowing the lawn shorter to deter pests.
• Minimizing foot traffic on dormant grass to prevent damage​.

Common Grass Types in Somerset County

Kentucky Bluegrass: Popular for its dark green color and aggressive spread. It tolerates heat and cold but requires more maintenance and frequent watering​.

Perennial Ryegrass: Known for quick germination and tolerance to foot traffic. It’s shade-tolerant and good for repairing damaged lawns. However, it grows in clumps and may need to be mixed with other grasses​.

Fine Fescue: Includes varieties like creeping red and hard fescue. It’s shade and drought-tolerant, making it suitable for yards with trees or low water availability. It’s less heat-resistant and may need additional care in summer​.

Tall Fescue: Hardy, requiring less water and nutrients. Its deep roots help prevent erosion. Periodic overseeding can prevent clumping growth patterns​.