Have you bought a new home or recently built one and are now looking for landscaping ideas? There is nothing that makes a home more attractive than having a yard that looks healthy. To achieve this, activities, such as mowing, planting, and watering, might be at the top of your to-do list.
You will have to be creative in whatever you do to achieve your goal. Each lawn is different, and each has unique needs. That is why you must plan all the landscaping tasks well.
The following seven tips will help you have a healthier-looking yard.
1. Plant Native Plants and Grasses Suited to Your Region’s Climate
To cut down on maintenance costs, have only native plants in your yard. Plants thrive in their natural environments where the climate favors them. When you sow seeds, you will notice that they will germinate well, and the seedlings will look healthier. They allow both veteran and novice gardeners to design stunning landscapes with the least amount of effort.
The native plants are long-lived, super-tough, and quick growing. This means you won’t have to worry about buying replacements. They adapt well to weather changes in the regions where they grow and overcome blizzards, frosts, floods, or drought.
Native groundcovers, wildflowers, vines, and perennials fill up the surrounding areas so quickly. They are also well-adapted to resist local diseases, pests, and weeds.
2. Use Grass Alternatives
Grass is difficult to maintain in areas that are prone to drought. If you live in such an area, why not consider planting drought-tolerant perennials or annuals? These tough plants require little watering and will save you the cost of irrigation.
To further reduce the maintenance cost, collect rainwater during the winter rather than water the plants during the summer. You can buy a moisture meter to ensure you do not waste water while irrigating.
Another natural grass alternative is synthetic grasses. Being synthetic, this type of grass will look green and healthy all year without you having to water it. Another advantage of artificial grass is it can last for more than 10 years and still maintain its attractiveness.
3. Mow Your Lawn Regularly
For your lawn to remain green and healthy, you need to mow it every week. Allowing the grass to grow too high will encourage diseases, pests, and weeds to attack it. It will also lead to stunted growth, and the grass will start to turn brown. Mowing your lawn allows fresh, green grass to grow and save it from the factors that could harm it.
If your yard covers a wide area, you can invest in a lawnmower. This machine will save you time and energy. The old-fashioned hand-pushed mowers are the best. They are environmentally friendly and using them can also serve as your workout.
4. Water Intelligently
Your plants need watering, but how much water is enough? Underwatering or overwatering will kill your vegetation. For this reason, you need to apply the right amount of water for your plants to remain healthy.
Each plant needs a different amount of water. Some require daily watering, while others may need watering only once a week, or even once a month. So, you must know the water needs of the different plants you have in your yard.
It is also advisable to water your yard at appropriate times of the day. Avoid watering when the sun is high in the sky because this may lead to a high evaporation rate. The best time to water your plants is between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. when the temperatures are low. If you do not how much water your yard needs, you should consult an expert.
5. Avoid Leaf-Blowing at All Costs
Dry leaves look embarrassing when they spread over your yard. However, these leaves are a great source of nutrients for your plants when they decompose. They are fantastic fertilizers for your yard.
To avoid their unsightly look, buy a lawnmower with a mulching feature. Such a lawnmower will grind the leaves into small pieces that you can spread on your yard. You will not be able to see them, and they will now decompose faster. If you do not want the shredded leaves on your yard, rake and collect them into a compost pit.
6. Fertilize Organically and Sparingly
In some cases, your yard may not require any fertilizer. However, if your plants are not doing well, you may need to apply some extra fertilizer. Before you buy any fertilizer, however, conduct a soil test to know which minerals it is lacking. You will also need to know the soil pH to help you determine which fertilizer is best.
Whatever the outcome, try to avoid commercial fertilizers as much as possible. Instead, go for their organic counterparts. Grass clippings and animal manure work better than commercial fertilizer, and they do not contaminate waterways.
7. Accessorize Smartly
While it sounds good to add lawn ornaments to your yard, these accessories can damage your grass. So, if you have to accessorize, do it smartly to add curb appeal to your home without interfering with the grass.
Also, avoid parking vehicles on the grass or putting objects on the grass and leaving them to stay for long. You can build permanent structures to park your cars and keep anything that can damage the grass. Another accessory to improve the appearance of your yard is lighting. When adding the lights, keep the poles away from the grass, and use solar power as much as possible.
Take Away
If you follow the above tips, you will have a low-maintenance yard that is also very attractive. If you cannot design your lawn on your own or are too busy, consider hiring an expert.
An expert knows which plants are suitable for your soil type and the watering needs of the plants. Furthermore, landscapers have all the soil testing equipment and reagents. They can test your soil and advise you on its fertilizer needs.