With the many steps of lawn care necessary to keep your yard looking spectacular, costs can add up quickly. We know that your turf is your pride and joy, but that does not mean that you are eager to see it drain your wallet. Before your yard hits you up for any more cash, read about some clever ways to minimize your lawn care prices in Atlanta.
Know Your Turf
At last count, experts had named 11,313 different species of grass. Each type has unique characteristics and needs, and the first step in caring for yours is finding out what kind you have. Knowing the species of your grass will save both your wallet and your lawn some damage.
Using a one-size-fits-all approach will lead you to overspend, as you pay good money for care that does not suit your picky lawn. For example, Fescue and Bermuda grasses are both very popular in Georgia, but each has different needs. If you pay to have your lawn cropped closely, you are sabotaging your dainty Fescue and will end up paying more for future repair. On the other hand, Bermuda can be cut shorter, allowing you to save money on mowing.
Plant Wisely
If you have not planted yet, now is the perfect time to look at the different varieties. Choose one appropriate for climate zone 8 or 9, depending on your exact location in Georgia. Then, make certain to use the proper maintenance procedures for your chosen type.
When putting in a new yard, you will probably save by planting seed instead of using sod. However, some breeds, such as hybrid Bermuda grass, should be grown from sod instead of seed. So if this is the best species for your situation, you should consider future maintenance costs and not just the price of installation.
Examine Your Soil
Our native soil is very sandy, with high acid levels. Consequently, it is not particularly fertile. If you attempt to grow grass in the original soil, you will be paying for constant reparative measures. A more time- and cost-effective approach is to add lime to the soil to aid in growth. Lime will add the necessary calcium and magnesium necessary to bring the pH up to the 6.2-6.8 range that most grasses like. A good lawncare professional will include a lime application as part of their standard lawncare program.
Keep in mind that your soil’s pH may need other nutrients in which case adding generic products cost you a fortune without solving the deficiency. It is imperative that you have it analyzed to determine exactly what it needs. The good news is that this analysis will save you money in the long run.
Know Your Products
Finally, a lawncare professional will know which products work together best to maximize your results. The array of products available can be overwhelming and special equipment may be required for dispensing. You may save money in the long run with a specially formulated lawn care plan that includes just the right amount of nutrients and weed control products…dispensed in the right sequence…at the right time to ensure the greatest impact on your lawn.