Lawn care: how do you cut back on the cost but still have a beautiful green lawn?
While we may want that golf course look, is there a way to achieve it on a budget.
Starting with your lawn mower, it doesn’t matter if it is a push version or a riding mower these tips apply. Before you cut the first blade of grass in the spring, do a maintenance check and clean job on your mower.
Check plugs, oil and filters. When it comes to the blades make sure they have been sharpened. This will ensure a smoother more efficient cutting. There is no use whacking away at your lawn with a dull blade. The results are the same as using a dull razor on your skin, not great at all.
Make sure they are also balanced. If it is possible have a spare blade to use while the other is being sharpened.
A spare blade comes in handy when you hit a rock or tree root and bend or destroy a blade.
Watering, the cheapest way is to do it manually, next use a sprinkler that you have to move. Last would be the automatic sprinkler systems.
If you do have one of these make sure it is the type that has an auto shut off. They can detect rain or excessive moisture.
Nothing is more wasteful than watering a lawn right after a rain except for watching a sprinkler system come on during a shower.
Water in the mornings. The water will soak down to the roots of the grass before the sun evaporates it. A healthy lawn needs about one inch of water per week, preferably all at once. Short frequent watering make the lawn look a pretty shade of green but will not promote a healthy root system.
Use fertilizer sparingly as to not burn the lawn. Try alternative fertilizers. Compost is economical and healthier for your yard. You can find it in stores or for free in some municipal locations. Spread it on twice a year.
Pick up an inexpensive soil tester kit. You can save by doing it yourself and when your get the results you will save by getting the right type of fertilizer.
When mowing use the mulch attachment if your mower has one. The glass clippings protect the soil and help stop water runoff. The mulch will break down naturally and add nutrients to your lawn.
When the time comes to cut the grass keep it as long as nine centimetres in height and do not go shorter than six centimetres. This helps keep the lawn moist so less watering.
If you cut it really short to avoid having to cut it again soon it can burn and die.
Get the correct type of grass for the region you live in. Also repair bald spots quickly before the weeds move in. A thick lawn will keep weeds out saving you on the cost of weed killer.
Most importantly do not stress out over it. A lawn is to be enjoyed by you, your children and the family pet.
Sandra Nolan is a freelance writer from Rocky Mountain House. Contact her at slnolan@xplornet.com.