Lawn care on Montgomery's tree-lined streets.

Grass and tree roots compete for the same water

Established trees have extensive root systems that pull moisture from the same soil grass depends on. Lawns under or near mature canopy typically need a bit more water during dry stretches than lawns in the open, since the tree gets first pick.

Overseed thin patches in early fall

Shaded turf naturally thins out over time, especially directly under the densest part of a canopy. Overseeding with a shade-tolerant blend in early fall, while the soil is still warm and there's less competition from summer weeds, gives new grass the best chance to establish before winter.

Rake before mowing, not after

On streets with heavy leaf drop, waiting to mow until leaves are cleared, rather than mowing over them, prevents matting and lets sunlight reach the grass. A layer of wet, mown-over leaves left on the lawn for even a week or two can leave dead patches by spring.

Aerate compacted, root-filled soil

Soil under mature trees is often more compacted and root-filled than open lawn areas, which limits how well air and water reach the grass roots. Aeration helps here more than almost anywhere else on the property.

Keep curb appeal in mind

Montgomery's historic streetscape means a well-kept lawn and tidy beds stand out more than they would on a newer development block. Consistent edging and a clean lawn line go a long way toward matching the character of the block.