Don't forget to consider the environment, too
The following are a few of the many ways homeowners can adopt more eco-friendly practices when tending to their lawns.
Be conscientious when watering. The growth of moss on sidewalks or the driveway is a telltale sign that you're watering too much, as is a standing pool of water on the grass. Homeowners who find it difficult to determine when their lawns have gotten enough water can purchase an intelligent irrigation control system that adapts your watering to a lawn's needs as well as the weather.
Turn back the clock on your tools. Before gas mowers became the standard, push mowers were used to cut the grass. Such mowers still exist, and they require no fuel, making them a more eco-friendly option than their gas-powered counterparts.
Leaf blowers are a far less friendly way to rake leaves in the fall or clean the yard after a long winter. While there's no denying their effectiveness, leaf blowers need gas to operate, while a rake just requires some elbow grease and a little extra time out in the yard.
Stay local. If you need to plant new grass or you're beginning a garden, then stick with local plants, flowers and grasses rather than more exotic options that are not native to your area. Plants, flowers and grasses that aren't native to your region will require more maintenance and often more watering.
Avoid pesticides whenever possible. When pesticides are applied to a lawn, the chemicals within may run off into your local water supply. If you can't avoid pesticides entirely, then do your best to minimize how often you use them.
Don't let rain water go to waste. Rain barrels are a great way to make good use of rain. Rain barrels can be placed beneath a gutter's downspout, where they will collect water that can be reused throughout your property to water the lawn and garden. Rain barrels can be relatively expensive, but over time they will pay for themselves as you save money on your water bill.
