As a homeowner, you need to understand that property management doesn’t end the moment you mop the floors, change the lightbulbs, etc. Don’t forget that your property also includes the outdoors, such as your front lawn. Fortunately, the are plenty of ways you can maintain your property’s outdoor appeal.
In this article, you’ll find a few tips on how to care for your low-maintenance lawn:
#1 Set Up an Automated Irrigation System
Invest in a watering system to save the hassle of dragging a garden hose around your yard every day. Through this innovation, you will have a fuss-free and hands-free watering experience, and you won’t have to worry about your plants wilting away. You can even target specific regions that require more water (i.e. if you have plants that need more water). As an automated system, you can set it to water your yard even when you are not around – this can be a helpful feature if you are rarely at home, or if you’ve entrusted your property to a property management company.
#2 Don’t Over-Mow Your Lawn
You’re slowly damaging your lawn if you wait for the grass to get “tall enough” to mow it. Contrary to popular belief, if you wait for the grass to get to a certain length before you cut, that doesn’t mean you’ll mow it fewer times.
If you want a well-manicured lawn, the answer is to mow less (not in terms of the number of times, but in terms of the length of the grass that you cut). As a rule of thumb, do not mow more than one-third of the length of a grass blade. In other words, do not over-mow if you want your lawn to be as well-kempt as possible, and if you want to avoid lawn-related problems down the road.
#3 Add Mulch
Don’t forget the gardener’s best-kept secret: mulch. Mulch is an organic material that’s spread across the surface of the soil. By adding mulch, you will be able to reduce the amount of time spent watering your lawn, as it can prevent water evaporation. Mulch can also be used to keep weeds at bay.
Add a layer of mulch that is 2 to 3 inches deep. Regularly add a new layer of mulch to maintain the desired depth. Don’t worry about mulch decomposing – this can actually enrich the soil. You can also use it to protect your plants during the winter, so make sure to add it to your fall lawn maintenance checklist!
#4 Make Sure There’s Room For Plants
The golden rule of managing a low-maintenance garden is to ensure you put the plant in the right spot. With that said, you shouldn’t purchase a plant if you aren’t sure you’ve got enough space for it in your garden. It’s always a good idea to plan where you’re going to put a plant first. No one wants an overcrowded lawn.
A South Florida property management company can help you choose plants and flowers that will not outgrow your garden. Plants such as laced-up elderberry don’t grow too big, but there are also plants (e.g. black lace elderberry) that will crowd your garden.
#5 Arrange Your Plants According to Their Needs
Have you ever wondered why some plants wilt or turn yellow while others don’t? The answer is that they shouldn’t have been planted there in the first place.
Plants can be tricky, so be sure to put them in the proper spot, otherwise, they won’t grow well. As a general rule, you shouldn’t scatter your plants – gardeners suggest grouping plants with the same needs in the same area. For example, the plants that need a lot of light should be planted where your lawn gets good sun exposure, away from the others that don’t do well under the sun. By creating “regions” in your garden, you can guarantee that you give your plants the right amount of water.
#6 Consider Containers
For no-fuss gardening, go for container gardening. This alternative to “regular” gardening can be advantageous to homeowners who don’t have the time to tend to their garden every day.
For one, you have complete control over the soil type you pour onto the container – and in case you didn’t know, the type of soil you use is important to your plant’s health. You can also control how much water each container receives. Plus, pests are less likely to “attack” plants in containers, so you’ll spend less time dealing with pest issues.
As a bonus, containers add color to your garden. This can boost your property’s curb appeal, which is beneficial if you want to sell it, or if you simply want to improve property values.
#7 Choose Your Trees Carefully
Trees are a go-to choice if you need to “fill” your garden fast, but the problem is that certain trees can be demanding. That is why you should select low-maintenance trees that will grow, not outgrow, into your garden space.
Dwarf trees are a great choice if your garden isn’t that spacious, as it grows up to about 15 feet so trimming it won’t be a trouble. Also, do not plant trees that produce seeds if you don’t want to deal with clean-up.
In addition, you should try to avoid planting your tree too close to your property, but if it’s unavoidable, choose trees such as willow trees and poplars. These are small trees with roots that won’t pose a risk to your property. Small trees are also a perfect option if your property is in a hurricane-prone state such as Florida.
#8 Consider Artificial Grass
If you want a well-manicured lawn but you don’t have the time to deal with lawn maintenance, a great alternative is artificial grass. Sure, it won’t feel as soft as real grass, but it’s perfect for people who don’t want to be bothered by lawn care. Artificial grass doesn’t need to be mowed, watered, and more, but it can add a fresh pop of green to your property and make it look more well-kempt.
Conclusion
For full-service property preservation that covers the great outdoors, get in touch with the expert property managers at Luxury Property Care. Whether you live on-site, or you simply want someone to oversee your second home, you can count on us to provide all-around care to your South Florida property.
Call (561) 944 – 2992 today to discuss your property’s needs or complete our contact form for more information.
