Tips for Easy Lawn Care & Maintenance

 

When designing a lawn area, give consideration to the amount of maintenance your grass will need. While it’s true all grass requires a certain amount of cutting and edge trimming, which can be tedious and time consuming, there are ways to cut down on the work required.

 

Plant Only What You Need

 

According to Sunset Western Landscaping, “Studies done for the Arizona Department of Water Resources show that 600 square feet of lawn is sufficient for most family activities. So unless you play football, a patch 20 by 30 feet is plenty.” (p.204) Small lawns may be just as functional and attractive as a larger one, and requires much less maintenance. Small lawns combine well with flower gardens, can be a centerpiece in a formal garden, or provide a grassy pathway, with stepping stones placed in strategic places to prevent worn spots.

 

 

Mow Only Where Needed

 

Be selective about the type of grass that you plant. Grow fescues or buffalo grass in areas that will not receive a large amount of foot traffic, where grass will be allowed to grow taller and a more natural look is desired. For areas where there will be heavier traffic, native grasses, such as crested wheatgrass or blue grama grass, mixed with ryegrass or fescue will be better suited for mowing and tolerating foot traffic. (p.206)

 

 

Cut Down on Edge Trimming

 

Cut down on edge trimming by installing mowing strips of concrete, brick or flat pavers, wide enough to accommodate mower wheels, around the perimeter of your lawn, allowing you to mow right up to edges. Use plastic, metal or wood benderboard, to edge lawns bordering flowerbeds, preventing grass from invading flowers and keeping down hand trimming. (p.204)

 

Reference

 

Sunset Western Landscaping. Brenzel, Kathleen Norris, ed. 1997.