Don't Be Too Aggressive Or Too Passive In These 3 Landscaping Areas
Posted on: 18 January 2023
When it comes to landscaping and lawn care, property owners want to be proactive and keep things from getting overgrown and unhealthy. But you can also be too aggressive. Here are three key areas where it's important to get this balance right.
1. Lawns
A neatly trimmed and healthy lawn is a beautiful sight. But don't let that desire for perfection make you aggressively cut your grass too short. In general, most grass does best when it's not cut too short.
A little more length during growing seasons provides more shade for grass roots and allows them to develop deeper for better water retention. However, a shorter cut just before winter can prepare the grass for cold weather.
2. Trees
Overgrown tree branches and canopies are hazards on many levels. They're at risk of falling on your house or people and pets. The canopy can be a fire hazard and it blocks out necessary sunshine from plants below. And an unkempt tree can hide infestation or tree diseases you need to address.
Don't go overboard on a single tree-trimming session, though. You may not want to prune back too many of the branches at any given time. This prevents shock from setting in and continues to give the tree enough mass to grow.
Instead of one big pruning, consider several smaller ones. This method trains the tree to grow how you want it and removes problems like co-dominant stems in ways that protect the tree.
3. Leaves
Should you rake up or leave those dead leaves on the ground? In fact, the best plan is often to do both. Rake up the majority in order to prevent mold, decay, disease, and too much shade on the grass.
But don't be meticulous. Some leaf debris is actually good for your landscape. It gives insects and small wildlife places to shelter and food. It provides compost and mulch for grass. And it improves the organic component of soil. One of the best ways to deploy leaf debris is to mulch it with a lawnmower and ensure an even spread around the yard.
Where to Learn More
Clearly, finding a good balance between neatness and natural conditions can be challenging. The ideal mix depends on the specifics of your climate, your yard, and your goals. Start by meeting with a landscaping business in your area today. With their expertise, your landscape will always be at its best.
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