Creating a great-looking lawn is no small feat. It requires time, patience, and dedication — not to mention an investment in money and time. That’s why mowing the lawn is often one of the least favorite chores for anyone with a yard. But having the best lawn in your neighborhood can be very rewarding.
When you invest so much time and effort into your property, it only makes sense that you want to return the favor by giving others something beautiful to look at. Regardless of how much you love your home or how nice it may be inside, most real estate agents agree that having a great-looking yard is key to selling your house fast and for top dollar. So if you intend to stay in this home for a while, it’s worth making changes to have the best-looking yard as soon as possible.
Get to know your yard.
The first step to creating a great lawn is getting to know your existing one. To achieve the best results, you need to understand what’s currently working and what isn’t. The first step is to decide what kind of lawn you want. Are you looking for something low-maintenance or high-maintenance? Do you want something that goes well with your climate or will thrive in any environment? When you understand what you’re working with, you can better understand how to make the necessary changes to get the desired outcome.
Decide what kind of lawn you want.
Now that you’ve taken a closer look at your existing lawn, it’s time to decide what type of lawn you want to install. There are many options for types of lawns, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Starter Lawns – If starting with a barren yard, you may want to consider installing a “starter lawn.” These grasses grow much faster than traditional lawns, requiring fewer years to reach the desired height. They’re also much easier to maintain, making them a great option if you’re not yet ready to do the work required for a signature lawn.
Custom Lawns – If you’d prefer to plant a traditional lawn from scratch, you’ll have a few options to consider. You can either purchase sod or sprigs of seeds to plant fresh. Alternatively, you can also start with pre-potted plants, which are more expensive but come with roots already established.
Install the right kind of grass
After you’ve decided which type of lawn you want to plant, it’s time to prepare the soil and get planting. Consider a few factors before planting if you decide to plant a traditional lawn. First, you’ll want to ensure that your lawn suits your climate. Different lawns grow best in different areas and climates, meaning you’ll need to research to ensure that your lawn will thrive.
Secondly, you’ll need to decide between buying grass that is already sprigged or buying sod. Sod is grass cut from the ground, rolled up, and sold by the yard. It’s great for areas where grass doesn’t typically grow well, but it’s a bit more costly than planting seeds. Seeds are a great option if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, but you’ll have to be patient while they grow. They can take a few months to sprout, so you might consider growing them indoors if you’re getting a late start.
Know which tools you’ll need
As with any hobby, gardening and lawn care come with an endless supply of tools. However, not all of these tools are necessary for basic lawn care. Here are some essential tools for mowing and general lawn care.
A Mower the first tool you’ll need is a mower. Depending on your lawn size and preferred mowing method, different mowers are available. If you’re starting, you might consider a smaller mower, such as a push mower or a cordless one.
A Rake – Raking your lawn helps to break up clumps and remove excess thatch. You can get away with a basic rake if you’re starting. However, if you’re looking for a long-term investment, you might want to invest in a metal rake.
A Watering System – If you’re concerned about water conservation, you can constantly water by hand. However, a watering system can be a huge time saver for those with larger lawns. They come in wide different varieties and can be used with a variety of different water sources.
Mow regularly and correctly
As with all other aspects of lawn care, mowing takes a bit of practice to get right. Once you’ve gotten used to your new mower and chosen a mowing frequency, it’s essential to stick to your schedule. Consistency is key to a healthy lawn, and failing to mow can lead to unwanted growth.
Mowing at the right height and pruning it correctly will increase the density of the lawn, and it is also key to a healthy lawn. If you cut your grass too short, it will have trouble growing properly and become more susceptible to diseases. On the other hand, leaving it too long will be more difficult to mow and become more of a headache than a relaxing hobby.
Lawn Leveling: Shaping up your lawn
If you’re looking to bring your lawn up, you may want to consider “shaping” it. This process involves removing tall grass blades and thinning your lawn, so it isn’t so dense. By thinning and shaping your lawn, you’ll allow it to grow more evenly and will be easier to mow and maintain overall. There are two ways to go about shaping your lawn.
You can use a lawn mower with a bag or a lawn mower with a mulching deck. Both methods will remove tall blades of grass. However, the bagged mower will cut your grass and store it in a bag that can be thrown out, while the mulching mower will chop the grass up and return it to the lawn, feeding it with its nutrients.
Conclusion
It doesn’t happen overnight if you want the best-looking lawn in the neighborhood. While there are methods to speed up the process, it will take commitment and patience. However, the work is worth it, and you’ll likely enjoy the process in the long run. Whether you choose a starter lawn or a custom one, you’ll need to be patient while your lawn grows. It may take years before your lawn is at the desired height, but with the right amount of care, you’ll be rewarded with something exceptional. Are you a homeowner in need of lawn leveling, retaining walls, and drainage services? Accurate Lawn Leveling is your solution with proper and professional services for you. Contact us today, schedule an estimate, and get a good-looking lawn in your yard.