How can you save money on lawn care?

Save Money on Lawn Care

So, how can you save money on your lawn care?

One of the biggest concerns most people have when it comes to lawn care is how to do it on a budget.

Whether you are cutting grass in Clarksville, TN or mowing lawns in Rowell, Georgia, the mowing season is right around the corner. Many people are turning a critical eye toward their yards.

And of course they are, especially when warmer weather means family barbecues, backyard games and fun in the sun. The question is how to get the lawn ready without spending a small fortune, and a lot of time on the grass.

Good News! The answers are easy, and far less time consuming than you might think. In fact, all you need to do is follow these six simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have the perfect yard just waiting for you to kick back, relax and enjoy your little corner of Heaven.

Grass Seeding

The idea of seeding your lawn might seem pointless and a bit ridiculous, especially when “perfectly fine grass” is already growing. That is true. However, there are a few reasons to reseed your yard. Think about it how long ago you or a previous resident planted the grass. 

If you are thinking decades have past, there is a possibility the species of grass is weak to disease, and more dependent on water. Not to mention, reseeding can put an end to those unsightly brown spots and bald areas.

Water on Time

Watering your yard at the right time is more important than you may realize. If you water during the day most of the water simply evaporates, and may even burn the grass.

But, if you begin watering at night it can lead to fungus, disease and a sick lawn.

The best time to water is dawn or between the hours of four and eight in the morning. If you water at these hours all of the water will have time to go into the ground before the sun rises, and you will prevent disease in your yard.

Here's Why...

Optimal Watering Times:

Fertilize to Optimize

As important as watering at the right time, fertilizing your grass in a timely fashion will save you money. Fertilizing on a schedule will give you the ultimate fertilizer impact. Generally speaking, feeding your lawn a slow-release fertilizer about every five or six weeks is optimal.

What type of fertilizer should I use for my lawn?

A slow-release fertilizer is recommended for lawns. It provides nutrients gradually, ensuring long-lasting and consistent growth while reducing the need for frequent fertilization.

Lawn Aeration

Aerating a lawn sounds intimidating and difficult. However, the truth is aeration is actually fairly easy, 

As it turns out, aeration is extremely beneficial to grass, and aerators are very cheap. Simply rent an aerator, preferably commercial-grade, follow the instructions, and watch your grass grow greener and healthier. The process of aeration, helps water and fertilizer reach the roots. This ensures you waste less water, and that your fertilizer reaches deeper giving your yard the nutrients it needs.

As if that weren't enough, an added benefit is that aeration battles compaction. This allows your grass to breathe and grow. The end result is a beautiful lawn, and your own little piece of paradise. Lawns in the southeast will need aerating (a necessary part of a lawn care plan in Nashville or Atlanta) more often. Aeration should be performed at least twice a year.

Keep Your Yard At The Ideal Length

Most people keep their grass short, believing they will have to mow less often and have a healthier lawn with fewer weeds. The truth is that unfortunately, the shorter you cut your yard the more problems you will have.

In fact, taller grass needs less water, tends to grow in thicker, and effectively chokes out weeds. The reason is, taller grass shields the roots, allowing for a longer root system, and ensuring water soaks deeper into the ground.

Want to know the best part? Cutting your grass shorter doesn’t mean you will mow your lawn less often either. Grass grows at the same pace no matter the length. Be sure that you aren’t paying too much for your mowing services here

Create a Drought Tolerant Yard

No doubt about it, one of the most beautiful sights is a manicured lawn full of thick, green, and healthy grass. Sadly, that isn’t always possible. Especially in regions prone to dry climates, poor soil, or both.

Xeriscaping or designing a more water-conserving landscape is a good idea. Most xeriscaped lawns utilize a lot of rock, and pea gravel in place of a grass. This type of landscaping is very much determined by your yard and tastes. Almost every xeriscape is entirely unique. 

Xeriscapes can:

• Save you time with no grass to maintain
• Save you money with low fertilizer and water requirements
• Require a lot less maintenance
• Create a lovely, very unique yard

The key to a drought tolerant yard is choosing the right plants, and placing flower beds in the ideal location by charting the sun. That, and the same loving dedication will result in a beautiful yard – with less or no grass. More on creating a drought tolerant yard here

What are the best drought-tolerant plants for a yard?

The best drought-tolerant plants include succulents, lavender, and native grasses. These plants require minimal water and thrive in dry conditions, making them ideal for xeriscaping.

Cost Comparison of Lawn Care Methods

Your lawn care choice matters for your time, budget, and the environment. The table below shows how Traditional Lawn, Xeriscaping, and No-mow Grass stack up, so you can pick the best option for your yard.

What's the Bottom Line?

What are the best ways to save money on lawn care?

In summary, saving money on lawn care involves six key strategies:

1. Grass Seeding
2. Watering at the right time
3. Regular fertilization
4. Lawn 
5. 
   
6. Keeping your grass at the right height
7. Creating a drought-tolerant yard

Use these tips to save both time and money on your landscape, allowing you more time to enjoy with friends and family.

Thanks for reading, and if you are looking for more, watch out for these 4 plants this summer