5 Ways to Keep Your Yard Looking Nice Throughout the Year

If you have a yard, you’re likely aware that its condition plays an important role in both the curb appeal and value of your home. While you may not be able to control everything that happens to your yard, there are a number of things you can do to help keep it looking its best throughout the year. Here are five suggestions for everyday lawn maintenance to keep up.

Get Acquainted

One of the best ways to care for something is to first understand it. Your yard is no different and has many complex systems working together to support life. Spend some time observing it and getting to know what it needs for optimal health. The region you live in, your soil type, and lawn and shrubbery varieties will all provide important clues for successfully keeping a thriving yard. If you don’t know which soil type is supported by your lawn or if you can take care of certain plants, a quick internet search will help you out.

Soil Conditions

While grass clippings can give your lawn a boost, most yards will need additional help to stay green and healthy. Have you had your soil tested periodically to see what, if any, amendments it may need? You may be surprised to find that your plants would benefit from something as simple as adding more organic matter or adjusting the pH level by adding lime. Your soil conditions can also play a role in water drainage and how susceptible your yard is to weeds, so it’s important to stay on top of them. If your yard floods, you will need to see how to fix flooding in your yard before you can move forward with any of these other tips.

Proper Mowing

Mowing may seem like a no-brainer, but there is such a thing as mowing incorrectly. Be sure to set your mower’s blade high enough so that you aren’t scalping the grass. This will help protect the roots and encourage strong, healthy growth. Additionally, don’t bag your clippings every time you mow. Grass clippings provide nutrients that can help fertilize your lawn naturally, giving them a nice green healthy glow.

Water Wisely

It’s important to give your plants the water they need, but it’s just as important not to overwater. Many yards require only one inch of water per week, whether from rain or irrigation. Check your local weather forecast before watering to see if rainfall is in the forecast. When you do water, do so early in the morning to minimize evaporation and to avoid water drops from acting as magnifying glasses and sun-damaging your plants. Watering deeply and less often is better for your plants than shallow, frequent watering. Overwatering your plants frequently can result in root rot, harming your plants and ultimately killing them rather than saving them.

Battling Pests

Pests can quickly wreak havoc on a yard. There are several ways to handle pest control in your yard. Obviously, you can hire a pest control service to come out and maintain your yard but there are also a few other things you can try. Try to attract natural predators like birds and beneficial insects that will help keep the population of destructive pests under control. You can go to your local store to buy a container of helpful insects that shouldn’t harm your plants. You can also increase your bird visitation by leaving houses or feeder tools for them to use. You can also take measures to make your yard less inviting to pests by keeping your yard clean and free of debris. A simple and quick way to do this is to pick up any objects that are littering the lawn or simply don’t belong.

Once you have the hang of it, keeping your yard looking great should take minimal effort. The payoff will be lush, healthy grasses, thriving trees, shrubberies, and flowers, and a home that looks inviting all year long.