Though homeownership can feel like an impossible game of financial tug-of-war between greener grass and a greener wallet, yard maintenance doesn’t have to be a pick-and-choose scenario. If you’re looking for a way to save money, look no further than your lawn care.
All too often, homeowners fork over a small fortune to professionals who promise to maintain their vibrant, green lawns. Unfortunately, those homeowners who look to cut costs as often as they cut their grass are susceptible to overspending when faced with home improvement store shelves, fully stocked with DIY lawn care products.
You can grow a greener lawn and maintain your wallet with these money-saving lawn care tips.
1. Establish A Lawn Using Grass Seed Over Sod
Growing a lawn takes patience and perseverance. While sodding a property gives you the wow factor of an overnight transformation, the cost is high. Rather than draining your savings in the interest of rooted sod, use grass seed from retailers like this instead. That way, you can achieve the lush green lawn you desire without watching your wallet wilt.
Usually, grass seed costs around $0.05 per square foot, while sod costs $0.30 or more per square foot.
2. Water Your Yard In The Early Morning
Replacing dead grass can be costly. To avoid this expense, water your yard at dawn. When you water in the heat of the day, the beads of water on your grass amplify the sun’s rays, resulting in burned grass.
If you water at night, mold and other diseases grow in your grass. Water before 8 AM, and your yard will thank you with rich, luxurious grass.
3. Aerate On Your Own
Yards need aeration twice per season. You can rent an aerator from a garden supply store or buy a cheap pair of aerating soles to attach to your boots or sneakers. When you aerate, you poke tiny holes into the ground, facilitating airflow and reducing soil compaction.
With water and fertilizer penetrating the roots system, your yard will reach peak thickness and sport a vibrant green color all your neighbors will envy.
4. Gather Rainwater
Another way to reduce your expenses is to harvest rainwater with barrels. Yards do not need chlorinated and fluoridated city water, as grass grows well with untreated rainwater. Collect water in any barrel or bucket you have, then use it to water your yard.
You can start small with a 30-gallon barrel or invest in a cistern. Once you begin using reclaimed rainwater, you’ll start seeing the return on your investment in your next water bill.
5. Take Care Of Your Mower
All too often, people waste money by throwing away appliances and tools that need repairs. Small machine shops can fix most lawnmowers, and many provide annual maintenance to keep the blade sharp and the motor running.
Better yet, if you want to save money on lawn care, invest in a reel mower that runs on manpower rather than gas or electric power.
6. Add Plants And Trees
Another way to reduce your lawn-care expenses is to reduce the size of your lawn. Plant trees to add shade and perennials for color. You can save money by purchasing them at the end of the season.
Consider buying fruit trees for added fun. When you buy perennials, consider varieties of daylilies, as they spread quickly and their greenery lasts most of the summer.
Wrapping It Up
Taking care of your yard doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Rather than paying someone else to care for your yard, you can maintain it yourself and save money with a lawnmower, timely watering, and regular aerating.