Saving Money While Maintaining Stunning Lawns: Top 7 Budget-Friendly Lawn Care Techniques
Investing in affordable lawn care doesn't mean compromising on the health and appearance of your lawn. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain a beautiful green space without breaking the bank.
Cost-Effective Lawn Mowers
When it comes to lawn mowers, battery-powered push mowers are a popular and budget-friendly choice. Models like the Greenworks 80V and Ego Power+ offer efficient cutting and minimal maintenance requirements. Mid-range electric or battery-powered mowers from brands like EGO, Greenworks, and Toro provide a balance between price, reliability, and ease of use, making them ideal for small to medium lawns. Manual reel mowers are another affordable option, particularly for small, flat lawns [1].
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your lawn care costs down. Cleaning the mower deck, especially after mowing wet grass, can prevent rust and extend the life of your mower. Sharpening the blades regularly ensures efficient cutting, while taking care to charge batteries properly for electric mowers will help them last longer. Additionally, performing periodic basic maintenance like oil changes for gas mowers can save you money in the long run [1].
Saving on Fertilizer
Leaving grass clippings in the lawn can help reduce the need for fertilizer, as the clippings return nitrogen back into the soil. The one-third rule, or mowing high, is also beneficial for the health of the lawn and requires less mowing. For cool season grasses, fertilizing around Labor Day can help foster a healthy root system [1].
Watering Wisely
Watering the lawn deeply once a week encourages the root system to grow deeper, which can save money on watering. The best time to water is in the morning, as this allows the water to penetrate the soil before evaporation occurs. Watering infrequently but deeply can also help prevent issues like thatch [1].
Preparing for the Off-Season
Proper preparation for the off-season is essential for maintaining the longevity and efficient performance of your mower. For gas-powered mowers, an annual tune-up involves changing the oil, replacing spark plugs, and checking air and fuel filters. Sharpening the blades at the start of the season can make mowing easier. Cleaning a mower at the end of every season is necessary to prevent rusting [1].
Weed Control
Digging weeds out by hand is the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option for removing weeds. A soil knife, such as the one for $35, can make the job of removing weeds easier. Embracing weeds in a lawn can create a sustainable lawn that supports pollinators [1].
Professional Services
For those who prefer avoiding mower purchase and upkeep altogether, hiring professional lawn care services may be cost-effective, especially if mowing needs are infrequent or for small yards. Proper lawn care can be expensive, with professional services costing between $50 and $150 per mow [1].
Cost-Saving Fertilizers
A homemade lawn fertilizer or affordable all-purpose lawn fertilizer like the one from Scotts on Amazon can help cut costs. Fertilizing warm season grasses around Memorial Day is beneficial [1].
Energy-Efficient Options
Home Depot carries a range of Ryobi electric lawn mowers, which are energy-efficient and have interchangeable batteries. These mowers are a great alternative to gas-powered mowers, as they require less maintenance and are more environmentally-friendly [1].
By following these tips, you can achieve affordable lawn care that balances initial investment, ongoing costs, and maintenance effort to create a beautiful, green yard all year round.
[1] Source: "Affordable Lawn Care: Tips and Tricks for a Greener Yard on a Budget" by The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/affordable-lawn-care-tips-3160540 [2] Source: "Best Affordable Lawn Mowers for 2021" by Consumer Reports, https://www.consumerreports.org/lawn-mowers/best-affordable-lawn-mowers-for-2021/ [3] Source: "The Best Affordable Lawn Mowers for Small to Medium-Sized Yards" by Good Housekeeping, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/lawn-and-garden/a33691617/affordable-lawn-mowers-for-small-to-medium-sized-yards/ [4] Source: "How to Mow Your Lawn for Less Money" by HGTV, https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/lawn-and-garden/how-to-mow-your-lawn-for-less-money
Incorporating a few home-and-garden practices, such as purchasing cost-effective and energy-efficient lawn mowers like battery-powered push mowers and embracing manual reel mowers, can contribute to a more affordable lifestyle when it comes to maintaining a beautiful green space. Implementing proper lawn maintenance like sharpening blades regularly, watering the lawn deeply once a week, and preparing the mower for the off-season, also plays a crucial role in reducing long-term costs.
