10 Must-know yard maintenance tips, whether you own or rent

Workdone Team . 4 min read . May 14, 2024

Share

Blog Illustration

Whether you’re a homeowner with a sprawling lawn or a renter with a cozy backyard, yard maintenance is key to keeping your outdoor space looking great. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these essential tips and a little help from the Workdone app, you can keep your yard in top shape all year long.

The art of regular mowing: a weekly ritual for a lush lawn

Your lawn is the most visible part of your yard, and keeping it well-maintained sets the tone for the entire space. Regular mowing isn't just about cutting grass—it's about encouraging healthy growth, preventing weeds, and keeping pests at bay. But how often should you mow, and what’s the ideal height for your grass?

The golden rule is to mow your lawn once a week during the growing season, but never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Cutting too short can stress the grass, making it more vulnerable to diseases and weeds. On the flip side, allowing it to grow too long can create an inviting habitat for pests like ticks and grubs. Find a balance that keeps your lawn lush, green, and uniform.

Mowing can be therapeutic, but if time isn’t on your side, consider hiring a local lawn care pro through the Workdone app. It’s an easy way to ensure your lawn gets the expert attention it needs without you breaking a sweat.

10 Must-know yard maintenance tips, whether you own or rent

Mastering the art of watering: hydrate smart, not hard

Watering is essential, but it’s all about how and when you do it. Overwatering is a common mistake that leads to shallow roots and a lawn that’s more susceptible to diseases. On the other hand, underwatering can cause your grass to become dry, brittle, and more prone to browning.

The best approach is deep, infrequent watering early in the morning. This allows water to soak into the soil, reaching the roots before the sun’s heat causes evaporation. If you’re using a sprinkler system, set it to run for about 30 minutes, ensuring that your lawn receives around one inch of water per week.

Remember, your lawn’s watering needs may change with the seasons. In cooler months, you can scale back, while in the heat of summer, you might need to water more frequently. For a personalized watering plan, consider consulting with an irrigation specialist through the Workdone app.

10 Must-know yard maintenance tips, whether you own or rent

Seasonal fertilization: feeding your lawn for year-round vitality

Fertilizing your lawn is like giving it a much-needed vitamin boost. It replenishes nutrients that get depleted over time, ensuring your grass stays healthy and resilient. But fertilization isn’t a one-size-fits-all task; it requires timing and the right products.

The ideal time to fertilize is in the spring and fall, during your lawn’s peak growing seasons. In the spring, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote lush, green growth. Come fall, switch to a formula with higher potassium to strengthen the grass roots and prepare your lawn for the winter months.

Choosing the right fertilizer can be daunting, with so many options on the market. Organic fertilizers are a great choice if you’re looking to improve soil health and promote long-term growth, while synthetic fertilizers offer quick results. If you’re unsure where to start, a lawn care professional can guide you in selecting and applying the right products.

10 Must-know yard maintenance tips, whether you own or rent

Weed control: prevention and treatment for a weed-free yard

Weeds are not just unsightly; they compete with your grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. The best way to tackle weeds is through prevention, which is why early spring is the perfect time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. This prevents weed seeds from germinating, reducing the amount of weeding you'll have to do later.

However, if weeds have already taken hold, you'll need to switch tactics. Spot-treating with a post-emergent herbicide is effective for isolated patches, while manual removal is a must for larger, more established weeds. Be sure to pull them out by the roots to prevent regrowth.

A well-maintained lawn is your best defense against weeds. A thick, healthy lawn will naturally crowd out weeds, making it harder for them to take root. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing will keep your lawn strong and resilient. If you find yourself battling persistent weeds, it might be time to call in a professional for a thorough lawn treatment plan. Download the Workdone App to find top-rated pros.

Mulching: The Unsung Hero of Garden Maintenance

Mulch is one of the most effective tools in your garden maintenance arsenal. It conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and adds essential nutrients as it breaks down. Plus, it gives your garden beds a polished, tidy appearance.

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants, being careful not to pile it against the stems or trunks. Organic mulches like wood chips, shredded leaves, or compost are ideal for most garden beds. They decompose over time, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients.

Mulching is a straightforward task, but it does require some effort to apply and maintain. If you’re looking to save time and energy, consider hiring a local landscaper though our App to handle it for you. They’ll ensure your beds are properly mulched and ready to thrive.

10 Must-know yard maintenance tips, whether you own or rent

Aeration: the Key to a lush, green lawn

Soil compaction is a common issue that can prevent your lawn from thriving. Over time, foot traffic, heavy rains, and even the weight of the mower can compact the soil, making it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. Aeration alleviates this problem by creating small holes in the soil, allowing your lawn to 'breathe.'

The best time to aerate is in the spring or fall when your grass is actively growing. If your soil is particularly compacted, you may need to aerate annually. Otherwise, every 2-3 years should suffice.

Aerating can be a physically demanding task, especially for larger yards. If you don’t have the time or equipment to do it yourself, consider hiring a lawn care service to take care of it for you. They can also advise you on whether your lawn would benefit from overseeding or topdressing after aeration.Soil compaction is a common issue that can prevent your lawn from thriving.

10 Must-know yard maintenance tips, whether you own or rent

10 Must-know yard maintenance tips, whether you own or rent