7 ways to make your lawn look like a high-end golf course, according to the pros

Lawn maintenance can be a lot to keep up with. While some people out there are satisfied with just keeping the grass cut and the weeds whacked, others out there are ready to take their yard’s landscaping to the next level with a lush, immaculately trimmed lawn to impress guests (and score some major points in the curbside appeal department). 

The good news is that you don’t need to be a genius to create a gorgeous lawn. But it won’t happen overnight. Experts say these tips can help you build a lush, golf-course-style lawn that you can be proud of (and your neighbors will envy).

1. Start preparing in the spring

Lawn care pros say that there’s a bit of prep work you’ll need to take care of in the spring before you start worrying about anything else. “When it comes to a perfect, golf course-style lawn, the first step is done in the spring by using a topdressing of topsoil to smooth out any bumps and then reseeding,” says Daryl Beyers, Yahoo’s resident lawn mower expert, who has more than 30 years of experience as a professional landscaper. Beyers says applying a layer of granulated limestone in the spring can also improve soil chemistry, which is essential for maintaining a happy, healthy lawn. 

You’ll also want to get a jump start on dealing with weeds before they take hold. Brian Feldman, senior director of technical operations at  TruGreen, says this is the time of year when you’ll want to “apply pre-emergent weed control to prevent crabgrass and other weeds from establishing themselves.” Taking care of weeds early will be a whole lot easier than fighting them later.

2. Cut the grass short, but not too short

Golf course grass is typically cut a little shorter than what you might be used to seeing in your own yard. Beyers says it’s generally kept between 2 and 3 inches tall. Now that doesn’t mean you want to cut your own grass that short, as this will just stress out the plant and make things even more difficult.

To avoid this pitfall, Allison Koenig, a lawn and garden expert with Tractor Supply Company, recommends: “Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mow.”

3. Mow the lawn often

It’s time to put your lawn mower to the test, because if you really want that golf-course-style lawn, you’re going to need to start mowing way more often than you probably are right now. Golf course greens are typically cut six to seven days a week.

While that’s a little overkill for the average homeowner, Beyers says it’s better to focus on your lawn’s height than a strict mowing schedule. He says golf courses typically don’t let the grass grow beyond 4 inches, so keep an eye on your lawn’s length before mowing.

4. Stop overwatering your lawn

If you’re watering your lawn every day, it may be time to cut back. Too much water can lead to a shallow root system, increasing the likelihood of stress during heat waves and droughts. 

Feldman recommends aiming for 1 to 2 inches of water per week during periods of active growth. During slower seasons, scale that back to between a half-inch and 1 inch. You’ll not only help promote a healthier lawn, but you may also save on your monthly water bill.

5. Water early in the morning

For the best results, you’ll want to time your watering schedule just right. Feldman says the best time to water your lawn is in the early morning, typically between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when temperatures are milder. “This timing is crucial because midday watering results in up to 40% evaporation before water reaches the root zone,” he says.

6. Fertilize strategically

The timing of your fertilizer matters just as much as the fertilizer itself. “Consistent fertilization does triple duty,” Feldman says. “It promotes new blade and root growth, increases grass density to naturally crowd out weeds and improves your lawn’s resistance to drought and disease.” 

The experts we spoke with say the time of year you should fertilize your lawn depends mainly on the type of grass you have. “For cool-season grasses, like Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass, spring fertilization combined with overseeding early in the season encourages robust growth before summer heat arrives,” Feldman says. “For warm-season grasses, like Bermuda or Zoysia, time fertilization for mid-May to early June.” Avoid fertilizing the grass in the thick of summer, as Koenig says this can put more stress on grass that’s already having a rough time in the extreme heat.

7. Don’t forget to aerate 

Even your grass needs some air from time to time, and that’s where aeration comes in. The aeration process involves creating small holes in the soil to improve airflow and water absorption, resulting in a healthier lawn. “Aeration is key in long-term lawn resilience,” Koenig says. “Your root system will be stronger and more established, and can withstand higher heat, drought and foot traffic in the summer.”

The best time to aerate depends on the type of grass you have. For cool-season grasses, aim to aerate in the fall. Warm-season grasses are best aerated in late spring or summer when they’re actively growing.

Shop expert-tested lawn mowers

Lowe’s

“It was no surprise that Toro came out on top for best self-propelled mower,” Beyers says. “The brand has been making some of the best self-propelled gas mowers for years. This model is a cinch to use. The self-propel bar kicks in when you push it forward and senses the pressure, adjusting the speed to your personal pace. No buttons, dials or levers. Just push and go.”

Ace Hardware

“After testing many convenient self-propelled lawn mowers, I was skeptical of models without that feature,” Beyers says/ “However, the other attributes of this Ego machine more than made up the difference. It was easy to use and had the most comfortable handle of all the mowers tested. With no fancy power or propel modes to worry over, I found myself forgetting it was electric and believing I was pushing an ordinary, but very quiet, lawn mower.”

Ace Hardware

“What we like most about this lawn mower is its simplicity,” Beyers says. “A button and a push of the lever start it up. A pull of the propel bar moves it forward. There aren’t any fancy warning lights or meters on the control handle, just a simple dial to pick up the pace of the self-propel. The power adjusts as needed, kicking in when the grass gets tough or when you’re moving up steep slopes. The 19-inch deck is perfect for smaller yards, providing easy maneuverability.”