Lawn Care for High Traffic Areas

If your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic or is frequently used by pets, it can struggle to remain lush and thick. In this blog, we’ll explore ways to help ensure your lawn thrives in high-traffic areas.

How Can I Prevent Soil Compaction?

Aerating your lawn is essential for preventing compaction-related problems. By aerating the soil, you create more space for air, water, and nutrients to effectively reach the root zone of your turf. A healthier root system enables your lawn to better withstand stress. If your turf does become damaged, it will recover more quickly with less compaction.

For lawns in high-traffic areas, aerating once or twice a year (depending on foot traffic levels) can significantly help mitigate compaction issues.

Can Regular Mowing Improve My Lawn’s Wear Tolerance?

Regular mowing can also enhance your lawn’s wear tolerance. Consistent mowing promotes a thick, healthy lawn that is less susceptible to disease.

When a lawn is mowed irregularly, it can weaken the grass and deplete its nutrients. This can lead to a more fragile lawn that is prone to weed invasions.

To maintain a healthy lawn, aim to remove only a small portion of the leaf with each mowing. A good rule of thumb is to mow often enough that no more than one-third of the leaf height is removed during each pass.

Will Fertilizer Help My Lawn’s Wear Tolerance?

Applying fertilizer to your lawn can help replenish lost nutrients and stimulate growth. Most turf types generally benefit from 2-3 applications of a well-balanced fertilizer each year, such as our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertilizer. We recommend fertilizing in spring and again in autumn to assist the grass in transitioning between warmer and cooler temperatures.

Can Sunlight Help My Lawn Better Withstand Foot Traffic? 

Like all plants, grass needs sunlight to thrive. When grass receives ample sunlight, it grows more quickly and thickens up. In contrast, when turf gets limited light, it struggles to thicken and grows more slowly, making it more vulnerable to wear and damage.

If your lawn experiences a lot of foot traffic, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight. If light is restricted, consider increasing sunlight exposure by pruning back any nearby trees or shrubs that may be casting shade.

What is the Best Turf for High-Traffic Areas?

For lawns that endure heavy foot traffic or are regularly used by active pets and kids, we recommend TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. TifTuf features a soft, fine leaf that feels great underfoot, requires a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sunlight, and is highly drought resistant. It also boasts good wear tolerance and a fast recovery rate.

Another excellent option is Sir Walter DNA Certified. Sir Walter DNA has a soft broadleaf, is suitable for pets and kids, and requires low maintenance.

If you’d like more information on selecting the best turf type for your home, reach out to our customer care team who can help you choose the ideal turf variety to meet your specific needs.