5 lawn care tips

Every one of us, at one point or another, wished of having a beautiful lawn where we can spend quality time with our family and friends during weekends.  What keeps most people from fulfilling this dream is the care needed for lawn maintenance.  Most people perceive it as a time-consuming and complex set of activities.  The reverse is true, however, for when done regularly, lawn care will prove to be enjoyable and easy. 

There are two approaches towards lawn care: (1) use of fertilizers and pesticides and (2) the natural or organic approach.  Lawn care specialists would actually recommend the second as doing so keeps the harmful chemicals away from your lawn.  The natural method allows you to take care of your lawn while being environmentally friendly. Outlined below are the three main elements involved in natural lawn care.

Mow Efficiently

* Mow High. For better and deeper root development, experts advise that you set mowing height up to 2 inches.  There is more crowding out of weeds using such setting.

* Mow Often. Doing the mowing job in bulk actually stresses the grass.  Thus, experts advise that during spring, you mow once a week.  Also, make sure that at each mowing, you don’t cut the grass to more than one-third of its height.

* Leave the Clippings. After mowing, do not take out the clippings.  These will actually turn into useful and efficient fertilizers and help promote greener and denser grass growth. This method, which is also referred to as “grass cycling,” also prevents thatch buildup.

Water Properly

* Water the whole root zone. Be certain that you water the whole root zone and you allow it to partially dry between cycles.  This method ensures that root zones are properly moistened, which is essential for healthy grass growth.

* Be wary of the weather. Consider the weather prior to proceeding with watering. Do not engage in such activity if it rains, or rain is about to come. For more information on evapotranspiration and irrigation of lawn in concurrence to weather conditions, refer to Irrigation and Sprinkler Tips.

Use Alternatives of Pesticides

* Uproot weeds and reduce pest damage.

* Do not cover your lawn in its entirety in an attempt to get rid of a few dandelions.  When possible, remove weeds by hand during spring or fall.

* Timing is of essence.  Be sure to use the right herbicide for the right weed at the right time.

To reiterate, the use of natural lawn care methods allows you to have a healthier lawn without introducing harmful chemicals to the environment. In the long run, an excessive use of fertilizers will actually affect soil and grass quality.

Most landscapers and lawn owners today want more than conventional lawns. As a result, putting of shrubs in the lawns is becoming a trend.

How to Plant Shrubs

Shrubs that may be placed in your lawn come in different types, such as red twig dogwood, shrub roses and hydrangeas.  In planting them, you need to dig deep holes in the ground to provide room for plant roots to spread and gain access to water beneath the soil.

While planting and after placing the plant in the hole, soil may be mixed with peat moss and the opening may be filled up with loose soil, respectively. The now planted shrub should be adequately watered, especially in dry season. To achieve the desired effect, you may hire an expert to trim and form the shrubs into different shapes.
  
Shrub Care and Management

Basic care for shrubs usually includes proper watering, fertilization, controlling pests and trimming or shaping. While still young, shrubs need more water as their roots are not large enough to reach for water beneath the ground.  Their need for water goes down as they age. Also, shrubs grow well with the help of some fertilizers. An effective shrub fertilizer is mulch.  The use of this supplement, however, can be minimized if the soil in your lawn is of quality.

Shrubs, by nature, are pest resistant. When planted around the lawn, they may also act as pest repellants. Sometimes, shrubs themselves may be afflicted with pest problems. In such case, organic pesticides may be used. 

On another note, trimming depends on the kind of shrub in the lawn.  Flowering shrubs, for example, need to be trimmed a month after blooming.  Fortunately, there are shrubs that are inherently shaped in a delightful way.  This fact, however, does not limit you from seeking expert advice regarding trimming.  In addition, some plants from other locations may be directly replanted in your lawn.

Positive and Negative Effects of Shrubs

Shrubs, like anything else, bring both advantages and disadvantages.  They break the monotony of conventional lawns by providing your space with an enhanced look.  They can also properly define the borders of your lawn. 

On another side, shrubs require tedious care and management.  When situated in the wrong place, they may invite pests in and create unwanted shade, which, in general, can be hazardous to your lawn.

With proper care and management, however, the benefits of having shrubs in your lawn will outweigh the negative effects, therefore providing you with a picture-perfect lawn.