There’s nothing quite like driving up to your home after a long day to see a beautiful green and trimmed lawn. While many homeowners often focus on improving the look of the home’s interior, the lawn is the first thing everyone sees. For a great first impression, you’ll want to follow some of the best lawn tips year-round and maybe even consider looking into a lawn service company.
Are you putting in a lot of effort but still not getting the yard of your dreams? You might actually be falling into the trap of some common mistakes. Let’s take a closer look at some reasons your lawn could look healthier.
What Could I Be Doing Wrong?
Too Much Water
To get the greenest grass, you need to water it as much as possible, right? Wrong! Overwatering can be just as harmful to your lawn as underwatering. Too much can lead to stunted root growth and overall suffocation of the grass.
The soil below your lawn is filled with small air and water pockets that provide everything the turf needs to grow and appear healthy. When you use too much water, the air pockets disappear, and all your left with are the water pockets. Without the necessary oxygen, you’ll be left with suffocating grass.
How much is too much? This will typically depend on your location, the season, and the type of grass you have, but in most cases, you’ll need around 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Here are some signs that you’re using too much:
- More Thatch: Some thatch is beneficial as it is a good source of nutrients, but too much separates the oxygen from the soil.
- More Bugs: It seems like one thing always leads to another. With all that extra thatch acting as a layer of protection, it can lead to a bug problem. Thatch can even lessen the effects of pesticides.
- More Weeds: Grass might not be a huge fan of too much water, but weeds are.
- Squishy Steps: Do you feel a little bit of a squishy feeling as you walk? It’s probably best to limit the amount of water.
Too Much Fertilizer
Using too much fertilizer is simply a waste. It doesn’t speed up the process at all, and it’s just going to waste your money since most of it will be gone the next time it rains. Always adhere to the instructions on the bag.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the type of fertilizer you’re using. Some of the most common ones include fast-release, compost, and slow-release.
Slow-release might be a little more expensive, but it’s perfect for beginners. Fast-release will give you fast results, but it’s much harder to apply properly. As for compost, it is best used during a drought since it helps hold water.
You’re Not Turning to Experts
Sometimes we just must face the facts and admit to ourselves that lawn care isn’t for everyone. It can be a difficult and time-consuming task, and if you have too much going on in your life to give it the TLC it needs, it’s probably in your best interest to hire some professional help.
Professionals know exactly what it takes to heighten your lawn’s appearance, from specific measurements to secret methods. You’ll have quality grass that your neighbors will be envious of without any of the effort. While it’s going to cost you a bit more than doing everything yourself, many people prefer to take advantage of these services, especially if they have a larger yard.
Lawn Service or Do It Yourself – Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the way you go about your lawn care is going to depend on the effort, time, and research you put into the task. Many people dedicate a lot of time to achieve the perfect lawn and are able to look at it with a sense of accomplishment. For others, it’s simply not worth it, leading to them seeking out the best experts for the job.
The choice is yours! There’s no right or wrong answer as long as the end result is a yard you can admire.
