15 Ways to Make Your Lawn the Envy of the Block
15 Ways to Make Your Lawn the Envy of the Block
As the weather warms up, your neighbors will inevitably spend more and more time outside. And if you want to make sure your yard is the star of the season, follow these care tips and invest in these tools that'll make maintenance easier and your grass greener than ever.
Water at the Right Time
If you want some seriously beautiful grass, you should water your lawn in the morning, between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., twice a week, until the grass is soaked six inches deep, says Matt Maurer, owner of PureLawn Lawn Services.
Buy a Timer
You'll never forget to water your grass when you set up an automatic timer ($25, amazon.com). This device lets you program a specific start time, watering duration and frequency.
Use the Right Sprinkler
If you don't have a built-in system, use a pulsating model ($14.99, amazon.com) that moves in a circle instead of an oscillating one that sprays in a fan-shaped motion. The former shoots water horizontally and isn't as vulnerable to wind when it comes to distribution.
Try a Robotic Mower
While everyone else in your neighborhood is out sweating in the heat, you'll be cool inside if you own this robotic mower ($919, amazon.com). It uses a shock sensor system to mow around obstacles. Genius.
Get Your Soil Tested
If your lawn still isn't that rich green color you can show off proudly, you should get your soil tested to make sure it's sufficient in iron and magnesium, the nutrients responsible for the color.
Invest in a Seed Spreader
Patchy grass is no match for this spreader ($20, amazon.com). All you have to do is fill it with seeds, then turn the orange dial to the setting of your choice and the battery-run device will work as you walk. Find more gardening gadgets here.
Don't Cut Grass Too Short
It's tempting to set the mower blades low so you won't have to cut the lawn again so soon, but slicing off more than an inch of grass at a time can cause what remains to turn brown.
Service Your Mower Annually
Even if you only use your mower one season out of the year, it's critical to make sure you aren't cutting grass with dull blades. Otherwise, you could end up with brown patches in your yard.
Add a Fence for Depth
If your yard isn't as big as you would like, adding horizontal layers helps create the illusion of depth. One easy way to do this is planting shrubs in front of a slightly higher fence.
Aerate With Your Shoes
If you want your lawn to be greener and healthier, it's as easy as walking in your backyard thanks to these shoe attachments ($21, amazon.com). They feature spikes on the bottom that will pierce your grass and allow water and fertilizer to seep deeper and work better.
Repel Bugs Naturally
Avoid harsh chemicals, that can make your greens look sad, by using natural methods to ward off insects, such as lining garden beds with cedar mulch and planting lavender.
Use a Hands-Free Weed Puller
Dandelions won't stand a chance in your lawn when you own a hands-free weeder ($15, amazon.com). It's designed so you won't have to dig a wide hole to get the entire root, which will reduce the amount of grass you pull out as a result.
Attract Butterflies With Plants
If you want your backyard to be a magical place full of butterflies, plant milkweed, which attracts Monarch butterflies. Coneflowers, sunflowers and even blossoming weeds also attract these insects, since they have long blooming cycles.
Get Rid of Debris With Ease
Yard work won't be as daunting when you know you've got a set of garden hands ($15, amazon.com) to help you pick up more with each handful. These tools offer wrist support and make scooping up mulch, debris and leaves super easy, which in return makes your lawn look fresh and clean.
Hide Your Hose
It's inevitable: You have to own a hideous hose if you want your lawn to be lush and green — but that doesn't mean it has to become a total eyesore. This hammered copper pot ($112, amazon.com) lets you hide this item out of sight when not in use.
Who knew you needed to service your mower?