Whether we rent or own our own home, the majority of us have a yard to take care of. It is the place our children play, where we make memories with pets, and one of the things that contribute to the aesthetic beauty of our home. Every year, our lawns do their thing.
They grow and can get pretty treacherous if we don’t take care of them. If left alone, your yard could fall prey to “you might be a redneck” jokes. Along with just being unsightly, an unkempt yard can be unsafe. Below are some basics to follow when caring for your lawn.
Looks Like Your Yard Needs a Trim
When you think about it, this idea seems like a no brainer, but there are some things to keep in mind when cutting your grass. Don’t mow your lawn when the grass is wet. This just slows everything down and will leave unsightly clumps of grass in your yard and likely gum up your mower, as well.
Make sure not to cut the grass too short either. There are always weeds competing for the water, sun, and nutrients your grass needs. If you cut the grass too short, it allows the weeds to have access to the sun and since they grow faster, they will eventually take over your yard.
Finally, when you are done mowing, leave the clippings in the yard. They are a natural fertilizer. This will not only give your yard a continuing supply of nutrients, but will save you money, too.
Water Is A Must
We all know that plants need water to survive. Any living thing does, but were you aware that there are certain times of the day that are better to water your lawn than others? The absolute best time is in the morning. The morning hours are usually cooler. This means that the water you are supplying won’t evaporate as soon as you give it.
The morning hours are also less windy so the droplets won’t have the chance to blow away. Watering in the afternoon is pointless, as we already pointed out. The temperature is often too high and conducive to making short work of evaporating all that life giving water. If temperature is an issue, it should be ok to water at night, right?
No, this is not a good idea. Have you ever washed a load of clothes and left them in the washer over night? The next morning, you are greeted by a nice mildewy smell and end up having to wash your clothes all over again, or worse yet, throw them out. The same kind of process is possible with your grass. If you water at night, the water can stay too long and promote disease in the grass.
Landscaping for that Vibrant Yard
In addition to essential lawn care practices like mowing and fertilizing, you can enhance the appeal of your yard with thoughtful landscaping. Whether you are doing this yourself, or with the help of a Landscape designer, consider incorporating features like water elements, such as tranquil ponds or elegant fountains, as well as seating areas that create inviting spaces for relaxation and socializing. Not only can they beautify your outdoor space but can also create serene areas for relaxation and enjoyment purposes. Properly placing water features and retaining wall seating can add a sense of tranquility and aesthetic value to your landscape, making your yard a welcoming retreat for both your family and guests.
Time To Call The Professionals
Let’s face it. Some of us were just not born with a green thumb. No matter what kind of help we get from friends and neighbors or how many books we read, we just can’t seem to get it right. Our lawns stay brown, dead, and unsightly. They become a crunchy mess.
When you reach this point, it may be time to admit defeat and call in the professionals. There are several services out there who are trained to do much more than the basics for your lawn. If you have tried everything above and are still struggling to keep it nice and green, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your local lawn care service. If you don’t have one in mind to call, then you can go online and search something like “lawn care near me” for example, so you can see what professionals are out there in your area to help you.
Lawn care is something many of us don’t normally give a lot of thought to, but taking the simple steps above can help you make you look like it’s all you spend your time on. Have fun!