subject: "little Ways" To Eliminate Lawn Maintenance Woes [print this page] What to do to save money on lawn care varies all over the lot. But some things like mowing the grass yourself can really produce some serious savings. While giving you a way to get outside, get more exercise and get a feeling of satisfaction as you gaze over the results of your efforts.
So yes, one good way to save on lawn care is to mow the yard yourself. Certainly you can do it yourself. Not only will it cost you nothing but time it will help you get in some badly needed exercise too. Make sure you keep your mower blades sharp. And varying the pattern, say cutting diagonally one time and then east to west the next gives better results.
Then too mowing often and cutting off less than a third of the grass blade's total length at a time will save you money on water and fertilizer.
Also too many over water which any more can lead to a huge water bill and little else. It is better to water less but deeply. That generally means watering like an inch at a time as needed. Or when your yard is showing signs of distress.
Spreading compost, rotted manure or even spraying compost tea is a organic way to feed to your lawn. You're also building up the soil and that can produce a self sustaining, healthier lawn over the long term. So while it is correct you do get a burst of growth with chemical fertilizers, you're really not doing your grass any favors by making it dependent on such artificial stimulation.
If you must fertilize maximize the effort by reading the label and following the instructions as to when to apply it and in what amounts. Generally twice a year should suffice. With a dose of some type of weed and feed in the spring. With a second application of fertilizer in the fall.
As for pests only spray when there is some serious problem. Broad spectrum spraying indiscriminately kills the good bugs with the bad. See if you can't spare the beneficial insects as much as possible.
You can also save by renting garden tools likely to be used only once a year with a few of your neighbors. You know things like aerators, tillers, maybe heavy duty chippers even.
So by watering less, mowing often and fertilizing less you too can save money on your lawn maintenance.
Granted none of these common sense suggestions will let you retire early. But the savings will add up.
