Lawn care is not rocket science and these 5 easy ways to save on lawn care will keep your lawn looking fabulous year round. Aside from mowing your lawn more often with a little taller blade because the longer blades will absorb more sunlight to sustain proper photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process plants use to gain nutrient and sustain life.
Water Wisely
Healthy lawns needs about 1 inch of water per week in the growing season. A light daily watering will not promote a deep root system. To establish deep roots, water thoroughly once a week, using a 1-inch deep. Early in the morning is ideal, say before 8 a.m., when evaporation is low and water is absorbed into the soil. Don’t be afraid to let grass turn brown during dry spells. Most species can easily go a month without water. When the grass goes from tan-brown to straw-colored, hence the grass needs to be watered..
Add Compost
This will improve your soil and eliminate pests and diseases, which means less money spent on fertilizer and water. Apply a quarter-inch of top-dressing compost once or twice a year, including right after your lawn has greened up. Going over the lawn with an aerator first will help mix the organic matter into the soil.
Use Grass Clippings for Mulch
Your grass clippings are a free source of slow-release fertilizer, so let the mower discharge the clippings back onto your grass rather than bagging them. This can cut fertilizer costs by up to 30 percent. The only time to bag clippings is when your lawn is having a disease breakout, often signaled by irregular brown patches or rings in the lawn.
Low Maintenance Grass
Slow-growth, drought-resistant grass species save water, fertilizer, and time. Your local cooperative extension can help you find species that are right for your climate, soil, and lifestyle. Tall fescue is a low-maintenance alternative in the Northeast that can withstand heavy foot traffic, good for homes with active kids. Zoysia and seashore paspalum are easygoing newcomers in the South, while buffalo grass is popular west of the Mississippi.
Maintain Your Mower
Sharp blades cut cleaner and faster, and along with basic engine maintenance can reduce fuel costs by up to 25 percent. Dull blades also stress grass, making it more susceptible to disease. For best results, sharpen and balance the blade three times during the growing season.
These basic tips should not take too much effort and your lawn with look green and stay healthy.
Lawnmower maintenance should be one of your core principles for lawn maintenance. I didn’t know you can use grass clippings for mulch. What a great idea and a great way to cut costs on mulch. Thanks for the tip on watering early in the morning. We get some scorchers here so the more water I can save, the better, not only for me and my lawn, but for my neighbors.