Basic Landscaping Maintenance for Beautiful Lawns

Beautifully green grass and shrubs accented by lovely flowers and plants can make a yard truly stand out. While having hearty lawns and landscaping plants requires effort to maintain, these basic landscaping tips can help Beaumont homeowners boast a healthy and attractive yard year round.

Mowing Tips for Healthy Grass

First and foremost, avoid mowing when it's wet, as the lawn clippings that remain are heavy and can smother healthy grass. Break out the mower on dry days and mow the grass to an ideal level of 2.5 to 3 inches or 6 to 8 cm to help its root system get stronger and make the lawn thicker. Always mow with a sharp blade, which allows for easier recovering of the grass for owners who want to use some as compost for other plants. However, it's also wise to leave some trimmings on the lawn itself for the same purpose.

Smart Watering Habits

Reduce water loss from wind and evaporation with morning waterings. Avoid nighttime landscaping maintenance that can leave plants and grass wet longer and increase the risk of moisture-related diseases. Don't make the mistake of watering too often or too much; about one inch or so once a week is generally enough for lawns. However, grass and plants growing in fine, compacted soil or on slopes may need lighter and more frequent waterings. Plants and grass growing around tree bases may also require extra water and nutrients as the tree roots absorb quite a bit.

Fertilizing Tips

Compost is one of the best fertilizers owners can use and create themselves at home. It can be applied any time of year and provides landscaping with incredible nutrients to sustain health and promote growth of grass, trees, shrubs, plants and flowers. Just mix a little into the soil prior to laying seeds or sod, and spread a thin layer of it over existing beds and lawns for a natural boost. Remember, composting with native flora from Canada is perfectly synthesized to mineralize other native plants.

Don't Let Warm Weather Cause a Panic

Lawns may start to wilt and go into dormancy during long dry periods, but homeowners shouldn't panic. Certain varieties of grass do this in self defence and will begin to thrive once moisture conditions return to normal. Keeping lawns healthy actually allows them to go into this state for several weeks and still survive. Knowing the average life cycle of certain plants and grasses can help one determine whether they've actually expired or have gone dormant.

Need help with landscape maintenance services or improving curb appeal? Contact a local landscaping professional near you today.