New Year, New Yard: How To Reach Your 2020 Lawn Goals
2020 is finally here, and it’s time to start tackling your New Year’s resolutions. Plenty of people are planning on getting in shape or focusing on mindfulness more in the coming year as part of their resolution, but many dads across the country have a more lofty goal: improving their yard. The temperatures outside right now might be comparable to a refrigerated trailer (whose temps can reach as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit), but spring will surely come again. And when it does, you’ll be ready. Neighborly rivalries for who has the best lawn are common across America. If you want to have the lawn that stands out against the rest of the block in 2020, here are a few tips you can use.
Get The Right Tools
Every project starts with having all the right tools for the job, and preparing your yard and lawn is no different. You’ll want a high-quality lawn mower for sure. Even if it’s not the most expensive one available, you can still find a great mower. Just make sure you’re maintaining it regularly – the better you take care of your lawnmower, the better performance it’ll have.
You’ll also want a few other tools of the trade for those special occasions where you’ll need them: a lawn seeder, a good spade, a sturdy pair of garden shears, and a long-lasting hose. A good garden hose should last up to 10 years, but don’t be afraid to replace yours if it’s showing signs of age before then. We’d recommend reading this list of modern lightweight garden hoses if you’re looking for a replacement hose. Make sure you’re storing your tools properly as well in a nice garage or shed. If you want to reinforce the walls of your shed, don’t be afraid to buy some aluminum sheets. In fact, it’s one of the primary metals most purchased by consumers.
Be Smart With Water
Having a gorgeous lawn takes lots of work, but it also takes lots of water. Unfortunately, not everyone lives in an area where water is in abundance. Only 3% of Earth’s water is freshwater, and you don’t necessarily want to waste it on keeping your yard looking greener than your neighbor’s. So what’s a guy to do? The best solution will depend on where you live, but there are a few options available for conserving water while keeping a great yard and garden.
If you live in an area that gets a decent amount of rainfall, consider making a water catchment system your next major home project. An inch of an average summer rainfall pours nearly 1500 gallons of water onto your roof, and the right catchment system will allow you to redirect that water to your plants. If you live in a dryer climate, you might want to consider hardier alternatives to your average grass lawn. Certain types of green groundcover grow better in different regions, and if you’re lucky you might even find a variety of groundcover that requires less frequent mowing.
Watch For Pests
Pests are the bane of many yard perfectionists’ lives. Not only can they be damaging for your garden and lawn if they stick around too long, but they can also potentially get into your home and cause even more chaos. It’s estimated by the National Pest Management Association that without the pest control industry, rodents and bugs would destroy 50% of our food supply.
What’s the best way to keep small critters from burrowing into your well-kept front lawn? Pesticides are always an option, but for those looking for a more natural option, consider planting flowers that naturally deter pests. You can also use plenty of ingredients from your kitchen cabinets to deter pests naturally without risking harm to the growth of your plants. These are also usually safer options for homes that have pets as well.
Look For Help
Finally, many dads look at their lawns as a point of pride and specifically aim to take on the task all on their own. However, there’s no shame in needing a bit of help every now and then, especially if you’re already busy juggling parenting, a job, and more. Over the past five years, the number of employees working in the U.S. landscaping industry has grown by 3.2%. Check with your local small businesses to see what services are available near you. You can even schedule landscaping services to stop by your home while you’re out of town on vacation, so you come home to a gorgeous yard without having to stress over the work.
For dads who want their lawn to be the envy of the block in 2020, these tips can help you get started and keeping your yard in top shape. The grass doesn’t always have to be greener on the other side. What tips and tricks do you use to keep your home’s lawn looking great year-round?