5 Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Lawn

As summer gets started, you’re most likely getting a little sick of mowing that lawn and keeping everything looking great. In some areas of the country, water shortages have made watering almost impossible and it doesn’t take long for your lawn to resemble the Sahara or worse. However, there are many ways that you can take care of your lawn the easy way and ensure that it will add to the value of your property.

1. Only water at dusk or dawn.

Watering during the hottest times of the day usually doesn’t work very well. You’re dealing with evaporation, water is at its peak use in most cities and you may actually be boiling your yard if the temperatures are high enough. Grass really doesn’t need that much water to survive, but what it does need is smart watering. Stick to times of the day when it is cooler and shadier. If you have very hot afternoons, a refreshing drink at sundown will be just what your lawn needs. Giving it a little morning boost can also help. There’s no need to water for hours either. Just thirty minutes of smart watering twice a day can make a big difference.

2. Consider adding smart plantings and features.

If you are really sick of trying to take care of your lawn, or the grass is looking a bit crispy, it may be time to start rethinking your entire landscaping. Many people are switching to desert gardens, which utilize hearty plants and a lot of rocks. The rocks help hold in the moisture and the plants don’t need as much water to survive and keep looking pretty. As a bonus, you won’t have to mow as much, which will save on gas. If you live in an area where water rationing is standard, this is a great time to make the switch.

3. Pay attention to the temperatures before you mow.

If you cut your grass down when it’s hot enough to fry an egg, you’re going to probably kill your lawn unless it is incredibly tough. Remember, you are “cutting” the grass, which means that you are injuring it to some degree. Try to mow when it is cooler and still a little moist out. This will help give your lawn time to “heal” before it gets hot out again.

4. Use eco-friendly fertilizer.

If you’ve got kids or pets, it’s very important to use a fertilizer that will not harm them or your lawn. There are some really great alternatives out there that won’t poison your groundwater or your kids. Read the instructions carefully to get the best results.

5. Remember, there’s always next year.

If your lawn is too far gone, don’t despair. Mulch it, till it, re-landscape it. You can always try to get it right next year. Perfect lawns can take a lot of work, but with the right tools and the right mindset, you can get the job done.